Cliff Lede Magic Nights Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 750ML, Rock Block Series
Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Notes from the Winemaker
It’s as dark as midnight and delights the taster with deep rich cassis, candied violets, lilacs, blackberry, warm summer mulberries, and melted black licorice. The wine possesses a weighty, oily texture reminiscent of melted chocolate, grilled steak drippings, iron, fig, and medjool dates. The tannins are satin smooth with the elegance and energy of the vintage taking center stage on the finish.
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot
Reviews and Accolades
95 Points/Wine Enthusiast
This is a robust, deeply concentrated wine, richly layered and densely textured in red fruit, crushed rock, sage and cedar. Grippy tannins reveal its youthful vigor and relative restraint that is not ready to rush out of the gate quite yet. Let the power deepen and develop further in the cellar and enjoy from 2028–2038.
94 Points/Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Magic Nights prances out of the glass with showy notes of crème de cassis, blueberry coulis and chocolate-covered cherries plus hints of garrigue, pencil lead and beef drippings. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with muscular, energetic black fruits, supported by firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory.Rating:94+
93 Points/Jeb Dunnuck
Another beautiful wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Magic Nights checks in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot. Revealing a deep, opaque purple color as well as classic Cabernet notes of ripe black and blue fruits, smoked tobacco, scorched earth, and graphite, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, building yet ripe tannins, and a great finish. This is s complete, balanced, satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers ample richness as well as complexity. I would be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years.