"The 2005 Poetry has a deep garnet core with a faint brick-hued rim, indicating graceful aging. A complex bouquet that showcases the maturity and elegance of the wine. Layers of blackcurrant, dried blackberry, and plum are interwoven with tertiary notes of cigar box, leather, and dried herbs. Subtle nuances of cedar, graphite, and a touch of cocoa powder add depth. A hint of violet lingers, a hallmark of Stags Leap’s aromatic finesse. Silky and medium to full-bodied, the palate offers exceptional balance and structure. The fruit has softened into dried black cherries and cassis, complemented by savory elements like tobacco, forest floor, and truffle. A velvety tannin structure integrates seamlessly with bright acidity, sustaining freshness despite its age." –Director of Winemaking, Christopher Tynan (tasted November, 2024)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 95pts "This beautiful, extremely pure wine is the quintessential expression of Stags Leap."
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The Poetry Vineyard is the easternmost of our two estate Stags Leap District vineyards, located just a stone’s throw from the winery and the Twin Peaks estate vineyard. The vineyard sits on a steep west-facing high-exposure hillside below the luxurious Poetry Inn. Reaching from the highest elevation of the Stags Leap District Appellation down almost to the valley floor, this vineyard’s heart and soul are a gritty combination of shallow soils atop fractured shales and low-yielding old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Production Notes
Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours, and immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting and refinement process. The berries were gently delivered to tank by our unique crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately three to five days and fermentations were managed via a combination of delestage and pumpovers. Extended maceration of two and a half to five weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, and allowed us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The components that make up this wine underwent eighteen months of elevage in seventy-eight percent new French oak and twenty-two percent neutral French oak.
Winemaker Notes
"The 2005 Poetry has a deep garnet core with a faint brick-hued rim, indicating graceful aging. A complex bouquet that showcases the maturity and elegance of the wine. Layers of blackcurrant, dried blackberry, and plum are interwoven with tertiary notes of cigar box, leather, and dried herbs. Subtle nuances of cedar, graphite, and a touch of cocoa powder add depth. A hint of violet lingers, a hallmark of Stags Leap’s aromatic finesse. Silky and medium to full-bodied, the palate offers exceptional balance and structure. The fruit has softened into dried black cherries and cassis, complemented by savory elements like tobacco, forest floor, and truffle. A velvety tannin structure integrates seamlessly with bright acidity, sustaining freshness despite its age." –Director of Winemaking, Christopher Tynan (tasted November, 2024)
