CLIFF LEDE VINEYARDS
2005 Poetry
Winemaker Notes:
Cliff Lede Vineyards' fruit was sourced from the steep hillside terraces of its Poetry Vineyard at the northeastern boundary of the Stags Leap District. Exceptional farming practices and low yields, just one ton to the acre average, combine to ensure the vineyard's potential is delivered to the winery. Hand-harvested, the grapes were destemmed and subjected to rigorous berry-by-berry hand sorting. The chosen fruit was then placed into small stainless steel tanks for a three to five day pre-fermentation cold soak. A two-week fermentation with twice-daily pumpovers gently extracted flavor and color from the cap. The wine underwent extended maceration to further integrate the tannins and develop texture. After a gentle pressing, the wine was drained into French oak barrels (78% new) to complete malolactic fermentation and age in the barrel for 18 months. The wine is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot. 925 cases produced.