Trip Taylor

Review of Cliff Lede Vineyards

I have about 3 cases of their wine in my cellar. ...

I have about 3 cases of their wine in my cellar. Haven't bought much in a couple of years but was interested in taking a look again. I was able to get in a few tastings at other wineries on a last minute appointment. (We flew out from East Coast without a lot of notice that we needed to be in California.) We were met at the parking lot and told that a visit would not be possible. I get that there are rules and COVID protocols but, Vax done, and better hospitality elsewhere makes me rethink my Cliff Lede position in the cellar. If this were an isolated instance, I would shrug it off and move on. However, on my first visit, (years ago) I had a bad experience with a host. Despite that, other visits were fine. Wines are good. The High Fidelity series is a good club selection. Poetry is outstanding, though, oddly, I haven't bought any in years. Eager to try the To Kalon we bought a few years ago. Had a bottle off the menu in a good steakhouse a few weeks ago (2015 Cabernet). Was quite good. All in all, a great winery but a weak hospitality staff. Won't plan to visit again. Perhaps I should not pick on Cliff Lede as an isolated case. COVID rules in California are silly and weird - feels like a jumbled mess. I feel for the producers who have to abide by the rules; it must be hard. OTOH, for a guest who has spent multiple thousands of dollars on their wines over the years, a tiny bit of discussion of options before being given the bum's rush would have been nice.