2010 Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 1.5L in Wood Box
available
Wine Specs
Vintage
2010
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Bottling Date
November 2012
Alcohol %
14.9
Wine Spectator
94
Robert Parker
96
Stephen Tanzer's
93
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The Poetry Vineyard, carved into a steep west-facing hillside, reaches from the highest elevations of the Stags Leap District appellation to the valley floor. This vineyard draws its uniqueness from shallow soils atop fractured shale. Due to the stressful nature of the site, the small vines develop slowly and yield small flavorful berries.
Production Notes
Grapes were picked into small bins in the cool darkness of early morning and immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered hand sorting process. The fruit was gently gravity-delivered to tank and wooden cuves by our unique crane system, which kept a high percentage of whole berries intact. Cold soaks lasted approximately five to eight days and fermentations were managed through a combination of pumpovers and délestage. Extended maceration of up to five weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. Finally, the blend underwent twenty four months élevage in new French oak. Final blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec.
Winemaker Notes
Enticing aromas of black cherry, red and black currant, and ripe, red plum are enhanced by hints of dried flowers, fennel seed, and sage. Compelling layers of dark berries, bittersweet chocolate, espresso and Madagascar vanilla coat the palate with velvety tannins. The power and concentration of this rich wine is balanced by vibrant minerality reminiscent of warm slate and graphite. This captivating wine celebrates the remarkable Poetry vineyard with its finesse and approachability, yet reveals layers of complexity and intense concentration as it evolves in the glass or with cellar age.