2012 Cliff Lede "Poetry" Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry (89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is indeed worthy of its name. Bottled perfection, it is an extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon offering floral, blackcurrant, boysenberry and hints of oak, forest floor and graphite notes, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and an exuberance, freshness and delineation that are remarkable. This amazing effort is the quintessential Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon that is Napa Valley’s version of Château Margaux. The finish just won’t quit. Kudos to proprietor Cliff Lede. This cuvée needs 3-4 years of aging, and should keep for 20-25. One of the best-run wineries in Napa Valley, Cliff Lede Vineyards has surged into the top hierarchy of quality in a relatively short period of time. It is located on the Yountville Crossroads, directly across from another budding superstar, the Kapcsandy Family Winery. (RP)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is all about density and pure power. Rich, dark and voluptuous on the palate, the 2012 is the most intense of the Lede 2012 Cabernets. This explosive, full-bodied Cabernet is going to need a year or two to settle down, but it appears to have a bright future. (AG) 92+