Cliff Lede 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry Stag's Leap District Napa Valley Red Wine

Cliff Lede

Tasting notes:
Seductive aromas of raspberry mousse, violets, allspice and graphite emanate from the glass. The palate is a combination of power and finesse. Rich layers of chocolate and cassis develop quickly in the mid-palate supported by a classic Stags Leap minerality. Luscious, soft, rounded tannins extend into the lengthy finish. While the wine offers pleasures now, patient cellaring will reveal even greater elegance.

Wine Advocate
The Ratcheting up the level of elegance and complexity, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry Stags Leap (composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet

Franc and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and a tiny bit of Malbec) is very Chateau Margaux-like with its floral notes interwoven with black currants, graphite and toast. With admirable power, finesse and freshness, it is a beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied wine with a layered richness and a long, supple finish. Consume it over the next 15-20+ years.
Elegant, well-made Cabernet's continue to emerge from this reputable as well as increasingly high quality producer in the tiny corridor of Stags Leap where the Yountville Crossroad intersects the Silverado Trail. Cliff Lede’s forward, delicious 2008s merit attention from readers.

Type	Red
Varietal	78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec
Vintage	2008
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.9%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley - Stag's Leap District
Wine Advocate	93
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	--
Other	n/a

The Story

Owner Cliff Lede, viticulturalist David Abreu, Winemaker Michelle Edwards, and consultant Michel Rolland have come together to form an unrivaled team, making the most of this remarkable property.

Completed in time for crush 2005, the new state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery boasts a berry-by-berry sorting system and conical tanks commissioned using a design inspired by the tanks of Château Latour. One tank per vineyard block ensures each lot evolves at its own pace and acres of caves with single-layer barrel storage ensure access to each barrel at all times. No corner has been cut.

The winery produces Sauvignon Blanc, Claret and Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, is crafted from the steep hillside portion of the estate.

The land, the talent, the tools and the passion: Cliff Lede Vineyards, a notable addition to the Stags Leap District.