This Stags Leap-based winery (Lede is pronounced “lady”) produces just Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon — and fetches a pretty penny for them. The 2009 Cabernets — in two versions — are now hitting the market. Thoughts follow.

2009 Cliff Lede Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District – A bit tight on first blush, air time gives this Cab a chance to focus on its core flavors: Big plums, blackberry, and just a touch of tobacco. Rich body, with a tart and zippy finish. Very easy to drink for a young Cab. A / $60

2009 Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District – Cliff Lede’s premium bottling. A huge wine, lots of tannin and plum, with a bold chocolate undercoating. Black as night and dense, with some fig, tobacco, and chewy wood notes, but surprisingly ready to go even today (much better than . I’d wait til 2016 to drink, if possible. Drinking much better now than from barrel, when I gave it a B-. A- / $175

cliffledevineyards.com

2009 Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

$175

9

Rating

9.0/10

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