Reviews & Ratings

2008 Cliff Lede Red Blends or Varietals "Poetry"

Winery: Cliff Lede

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Poetry"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, & 1% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Stags Leap

State or country: CA

Price: $150

Cases produced: 960

KWG Score: 92.6 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (94)

Review date: January 30, 2012

Wine Review: This opaque and onyx colored wine opens with a mild black currant and gentle oak bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, well balanced, and nicely structured. The flavor profile is a delicious refined black currant with very nicely integrated oak and black cherry. I also detected hints of black licorice and a dash of black pepper which added to its complexity. The finish is dry and its mild fine tannins are well managed. This was a real crowd pleaser at our table at the Boston Wine Festival. It paired well with our braised veal cheeks. I also think it would go great with beef bourguignon. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Seductive aromas of raspberry mousse, violets, allspice and graphite emanate from the glass. The palate is a combination of power and finesse. Rich layers of chocolate and cassis develop quickly in the mid-palate supported by a classic Stags Leap minerality. Luscious, soft, rounded tannins extend into the lengthy finish. While the wine offers pleasures now, patient cellaring will reveal even greater elegance.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Cliff Lede 2008 Poetry.