2019 Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
available
The result of meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process, the fresh and lively 2019 Poetry’s effortless character belies the precision and masterly artistry required to assemble our multi-layered grand vin. This captivating elixir greets the taster with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, crushed red currant, and summer Morello cherry aromas. Nestled amongst these scents are red and black licorice, clove, and bergamot. Next, there is a rush of melted dark chocolate, shortbread, blackberry, and plum flavors along the palate. Sea salt, aged beef, and loamy black truffle elements add layers of savoriness to the long and tantalizing finish. -Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Vineyard Designation
Poetry Vineyards, Stags Leap District
Aging
Following twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 80% of which were new, the blend was selected from our best lots of the Poetry Vineyard.
Bottling Date
July 2021
Alcohol %
14.9
Wine Advocate
100
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, volcanic soils atop fractured shale. Due to the stressful nature of the site, planted with high vine density and farmed to very low yields, the vines develop slowly and produce small flavorful berries. The vineyard is planted to legendary, proprietary heritage selections of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Production Notes
In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter and a slow, individual berry hand sort. The fruit was gently gravity-delivered to small tanks by our unique crane system, which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles.
Winemaker Notes
The result of meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process, the fresh and lively 2019 Poetry’s effortless character belies the precision and masterly artistry required to assemble our multi-layered grand vin. This captivating elixir greets the taster with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, crushed red currant, and summer Morello cherry aromas. Nestled amongst these scents are red and black licorice, clove, and bergamot. Next, there is a rush of melted dark chocolate, shortbread, blackberry, and plum flavors along the palate. Sea salt, aged beef, and loamy black truffle elements add layers of savoriness to the long and tantalizing finish.
-Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Other Notes
89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot