The 2021 Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon from Cliff Lede is a distinguished wine hailing from the esteemed Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. Featuring a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, this wine is recognized for its complexity and finesse.
The Wine Independent awarded it a perfect score of 100, describing it as "gorgeous" with "epic length" and a "firework display of mineral and floral notes." They emphasized the wine's youthful potential, noting its tightly wound nature at this stage, signaling a wine that is likely to evolve beautifully over time. This sentiment is echoed by other reviewers, who appreciate the wine's balance and depth.
Vinous gave it a score of 98, praising it as "one of the very finest wines" from Cliff Lede and highlighting its "plush, silky" texture and the successful taming of tannins by winemaker Chris Tynan. The review mentions dense, inky fruit flavors, complemented by notes of crème de cassis, lavender, and chocolate.
Decanter lauded the wine with a score of 99, calling it "super-expressive" and noting its "gorgeously fragrant nose" with elements of graphite, black cherry, and black currant. The publication appreciates the medium to full-bodied palate and seamless tannins that lead to a lengthy, mineral-laden finish.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine 95 points, appreciating its "classic Stags Leap freshness and purity" and its elegant mouthfeel. Meanwhile, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it 95+, highlighting its rich, velvety feel and the harmonious evolution expected over time.
Wine Enthusiast found the wine to be well-balanced and elegant, scoring it 96 points and noting the integration of black fruits, oak spices, and subtle mint and cedar hints. Overall, the 2021 Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon is a compelling example of Napa Valley's potential, offering both immediate enjoyment and remarkable aging potential.