2009 Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap Wine Cellars
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Tasting notes
Bright, saturated ruby. A bit more medicinal and bound-up on the nose than the Stags Leap District Cabernet, with black cherry, dark berry, mocha and menthol aromas complicated by spices, flowers and gravel. Rich, plush and seamless; in fact, ultimately fatter than the SLD, showing more mid-palate sweetness today. This is a thicker, richer, slightly more saline style of wine that will be appreciated by mouth tasters today but I'd rather give it another couple years in the cellar to lose some of its baby fat and show more definition. Finishes with substantial broad, dusty tannins that are nicely buffered by mid-palate sweetness and chocolatey depth. (14.8% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Cliff Lede's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is showing beautifully today. It, too, is rather statuesque and towering. Layers of dark red fruit, flowers, crushed rocks and cloves inform this powerful wine. The 2009 has plenty of sweetness and depth, but it needs a few years for the tannins to soften. Regardless, it is striking. Hints of mocha, licorice and incense add complexity on the finish. The 2009 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec.
Cliff Lede’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is showing beautifully today. It, too, is rather statuesque and towering. Layers of dark red fruit, flowers, crushed rocks and cloves inform this powerful wine. The 2009 has plenty of sweetness and depth, but it needs a few years for the tannins to soften. Regardless, it is striking. Hints of mocha, licorice and incense add complexity on the finish. The 2009 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. This is a strong and consistent range from Cliff Lede and his team. In addition to these wines, I also tasted a few 2011 component wines that were promising. Lede is keeping his 2011s separate for a longer time than normal before blending to see how they develop, a common choice in this very challenging vintage. Tel. (800) 428-2259
Lede's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is marvelous in its completeness. An expressive, open bouquet melds into dark cherries, plums, spices and minerals. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a finish defined by superb textural finesse. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec.