Cliff Lede Poetry Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

"A stunning wine that shows off the excellence of its origin and the vintage. Long and deep in cherry, currant and mocha, with a round, creamy texture and plenty of smoky oak. The spicy finish lasts for a long time. So polished and delicious, it’s hard to resist now, but will age gracefully for many years. Note, though, that the Cliff Lede name appears only on the back of the label."

94 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"A graceful wine, with an open-knit texture and supple plum, currant and blackberry fruit that turns elegant and polished, gaining complexity and nuance on the finish, where it picks up an earthy edge."

91 Points

Wine Spectator

"Full ruby-red. Aromas of red- and blackcurrant, tobacco and menthol, lifted by notes of white pepper and dried rose petal. Dense and creamy-sweet, but with bright, harmonious acidity giving shape and verve to the redcurrant, tobacco, spice and floral flavors. A hint of Stags Leap earthiness adds complexity. This began with a slight herbal edge but blossomed nicely and held up impressively in the recorked bottle. Very suave cabernet, finishing ripe and long, with very good grip."

91 Points

International Wine Cellar

"A fairly direct and accessible wine that shows equal parts of both cherries and sweet, creamy oak, this supple and nicely polished young Cabernet may not aim for the stars, but it is fruity and friendly and comes with a nice sense of charm. In contrast to some of its bigger and brawnier cousins, it avoids any untoward toughness, and its slight trim of tannin should soften out nicely with only a few years of age."

90 Points

Connoisseurs' Guide