2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
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Tasting notes
Healthy medium ruby. Sexy scents of cassis, black cherry, graphite, mocha, cola, minerals, licorice and earth. Plush, ripe and seamless, but with complicating soil-driven Stags Leap savory character to buffer the sweetness. The wine's refined texture and vinosity make it hard to resist right now, but it has the energy and balance to go on for at least another decade. Finishes with suave, chocolatey tannins and very good length. (14.9% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District shows off considerable focus and depth, not to mention terrific overall balance. Dark plums, cherries, spices, licorice and cassis are some of the notes that flow from this long, pure wine. Today the tannins are a bit compact, but bottle age should help to some degree. The 2009 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District shows off considerable focus and depth, not to mention terrific overall balance. Dark plums, cherries, spices, licorice and cassis are some of the notes that flow from this long, pure wine. Today the tannins are a bit compact, but bottle age should help to some degree. The 2009 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Cliff Lede describes this version of his winery as ‘version 2.0’ after David Abreu came in and re-planted a number of vineyards. Philippe Melka is the consulting winemaker. In broad terms, Lede’s 2009s are made in a more finessed style than the 2010s, which come across as more powerful and structured. Both vintages are terrific, but very different in style. Tel. (800) 428-2259