Superbly deep ruby/purple-colored with notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, subtle smoke, and incense, this opulent wine has a plush palate, silky tannins, impressive purity, stature, and length.
Reviews:
- Wine Advocate: The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry (925 cases of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot) is the richest of these wines. Superbly deep ruby/purple-colored with notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, subtle smoke, and incense, this opulent wine has a plush palate, silky tannins, impressive purity, stature, and length. However, the tannins are there and the wine still tastes primary despite its enormous potential.
- James Suckling: Smooth, rich and fleshy, this is elegant and stylish, with savory herb, currant and blackberry fruit that’s intense, concentrated, focused and persistent.
Producer Information
Cliff Lede Vineyards is a winery located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. It was established in 2002 by Canadian Cliff Lede, and produces wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The most famous wine is the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, Poetry. When Lede bought the property, he asked famed viticulturalist David Abreu to replant the 24 hectares (60 acres) of vineyards. These vineyards cover steep slopes in the Stags Leap AVA, and are planted on shallow volcanic soils that stress the vines and result in concentrated, complex fruit. The estate is made up of two vineyards, the Poetry vineyard and the Twin Peaks vineyard, and each are separated into blocks named after some of Lede’s favorite songs and albums – giving them the nickname the “Rock Blocks”. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, a tiny amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is grown as well. The Cliff Lede winery was completed in 2005. Grapes are hand-sorted then evaluated by a Pellenc optical sorting machine, which only selects the grapes that are within the parameters set by the winemaker. The grapes are fermented in tanks based on the design of Chateau Latour, before being aged in new French oak. The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in concrete eggs, giving a distinct minerality to the finished wines.
