Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 – Where Volcanic Slopes Meet Bordeaux Brilliance

Updated → August 2025

Experience Napa's most lauded hillside Cabernet from Poetry Vineyard, where 100-point scores meet precipitous volcanic slopes. This 2019 vintage blends 89% Cabernet Sauvignon with Bordeaux companions, delivering violet-perfumed elegance and decades of aging potential.

The Poetry Vineyard Legacy

When Canadian construction magnate Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 emerges from its steep hillside birthplace, it carries the weight of one of Napa Valley's most dramatic vineyard transformations. In 2002, Cliff Lede didn't just purchase land in Stags Leap District—he acquired a piece of viticultural poetry waiting to be written.

The Poetry Vineyard, carved into a precipitous west-facing hillside, extends from the highest elevations of the Stags Leap District appellation at 400 feet down to the valley floor. This isn't merely a vineyard; it's an engineering marvel where legendary viticulturist David Abreu orchestrated a complete replanting from 2005 to 2007, installing high-density plantings of proprietary heritage Cabernet Sauvignon clones.

What makes Poetry truly exceptional isn't just its dramatic topography—it's the punishing conditions that create concentrated brilliance. The shallow volcanic soils atop fractured shale force vines to struggle, yielding a mere 2.5 tons per acre. In the world of premium Cabernet, struggle equals excellence, and Poetry's vines deliver berries of extraordinary concentration and complexity.

Stags Leap District's Volcanic Soul

The Stags Leap District achieved international recognition when a 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over Bordeaux legends like Château Mouton Rothschild at the Judgment of Paris. But Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 represents something even more specific—a microclimate within this celebrated AVA.

The Poetry Vineyard's unique position creates a perfect storm of growing conditions. Hot afternoon air reflects off the eastern palisade formation, while cool evening breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate temperatures. This diurnal temperature swing—sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit—preserves acidity while developing profound flavor concentration.

The volcanic soils here tell a story millions of years in the making. Rhyolite rock, formed from ancient volcanic activity, combines with fractured shale to create a growing medium that's simultaneously nutrient-poor and perfectly draining. These stressed vines send roots deep into rocky crevices, searching for water and minerals that translate directly into the wine's characteristic graphite and crushed stone notes.

2019 Vintage Character & Critical Acclaim

The 2019 growing season delivered what winemaker Christopher Tynan calls "a vintage of purity, warmth, and grace." After years of drought, 2019 brought abundant winter rains that replenished soil moisture and set the stage for a long, even growing season. The Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 captures this vintage's essence with remarkable precision.

Critics have responded with extraordinary enthusiasm. Wine Advocate awarded a perfect 100 points, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown describing it as "staggeringly gorgeous" with "SO MANY minerals." Wine Enthusiast granted 98 points, praising its "refined tension and supple tannin." These aren't just high scores—they're validations of Poetry's status among Napa's genuine "grand cru" sites.

What sets the 2019 vintage apart is its effortless balance. The wine achieves concentration without heaviness, power without brutality. This is Cabernet Sauvignon at its most elegant, showing the restraint and precision that have become hallmarks of Tynan's winemaking philosophy since 2017.

Christopher Tynan's Winemaking Philosophy

Christopher Tynan's journey to Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 reads like a masterclass in prestigious Napa Valley apprenticeships. After working harvests at Cain and Blankiet with the legendary Helen Turley, he spent five years as assistant winemaker at Colgin Cellars, contributing to no fewer than seven 100-point wines.

Since joining Cliff Lede in 2012, Tynan has refined his approach to what he calls "taking our foot off the gas pedal." This doesn't mean less intensity—it means more precision. The winemaking process begins in the cool darkness of night, with grapes hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By dawn, the fruit undergoes Cliff Lede's famous three-tiered sorting process, including a cutting-edge optical sorter that ensures only perfect berries reach the fermentation tanks.

Tynan's philosophy centers on minimal intervention that allows terroir to speak clearly. The custom crane system delivers whole berries to tank by gravity, preserving their integrity. Fermentation occurs in small lots, allowing for precise extraction. The wine then ages for 21 months in French oak barrels, 80% new, selected from coopers who understand Poetry's need for subtle enhancement rather than domination.

Tasting Profile & Sensory Journey

Pour a glass of Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 and prepare for a sensory odyssey. The wine announces itself with what Tynan describes as "a captivating elixir" of aromas. Fresh-cut flowers—particularly violets and roses—provide the opening notes, followed by crushed red currant and summer Morello cherries.

As the wine opens, deeper complexities emerge. Red and black licorice intertwine with clove and bergamot, while undertones of melted dark chocolate and shortbread add richness without sweetness. The palate delivers on every aromatic promise, with blackberry and plum flavors riding a wave of refined tension and beautifully integrated tannins.

What truly distinguishes Poetry is its savory complexity. Sea salt, aged beef, and loamy black truffle elements add layers that elevate this beyond simple fruit-forward Cabernet. The finish seems to last forever, with minerals and florals dancing in perfect harmony. This is wine that demands contemplation, revealing new facets with every sip.

The Bordeaux Blend Composition

While Cabernet Sauvignon dominates at 89%, the supporting cast in Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 plays crucial roles. The 4% Cabernet Franc adds aromatic lift and a pencil-lead minerality that enhances the wine's complexity. An equal 4% of Petit Verdot contributes structure and violet notes that echo throughout the wine's aromatic profile.

The 3% Merlot might seem negligible, but it provides essential mid-palate richness and helps knit the blend together. This isn't Bordeaux mimicry—it's California translation, using classic varieties to express a uniquely Napa Valley site. Each component comes from specific blocks within Poetry Vineyard, selected for their ability to enhance the final blend's harmony.

The art of blending at this level requires both technical precision and intuitive understanding. Tynan and his team taste through dozens of potential combinations, seeking the perfect marriage of power and elegance that defines Poetry's house style.

Aging Potential & Cellar Strategy

Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone recommends enjoying Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 between 2029 and 2039, but this understates its potential longevity. Tynan himself aims for wines that will age 20, 30, even 40 years, and the 2019 vintage possesses all the structural elements necessary for such evolution.

The key to Poetry's aging potential lies in its balance of components. The firm but refined tannins provide structure without astringency. The vibrant acidity acts as a preservative while ensuring freshness decades hence. The concentration of fruit ensures there's enough material to evolve gracefully rather than simply fade.

For collectors, storage conditions become paramount. Maintain a constant temperature around 55°F with 70% humidity. Store bottles horizontally in a dark, vibration-free environment. Those planning to age Poetry long-term should consider purchasing multiple bottles to track its evolution—though given its scarcity and reputation, finding additional bottles may prove challenging.

Rock Blocks & Musical Inspiration

Cliff Lede's passion for rock music permeates the entire estate, with vineyard blocks named after favorite songs and albums. From "My Generation" to "Dark Side of the Moon," these "Rock Blocks" represent more than whimsy—they reflect a philosophy that great wine, like great music, should move the soul.

The Poetry Vineyard itself takes its name from this artistic sensibility. Just as poetry distills language to its essence, Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 represents the distillation of a spectacular site into liquid form. This isn't mere marketing—it's a genuine expression of the creativity and passion that drive the estate's winemaking.

The winery itself, designed by renowned architect Howard Backen and completed in 2005, continues this theme of harmonious integration. The 25,000-square-foot facility and cave system carved into the hillside represents both cutting-edge technology and respect for tradition, much like the wines themselves.

Market Positioning & Investment Value

With an average retail price of $334-$360 per bottle, Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 occupies the premium tier of Napa Valley Cabernet. This pricing reflects both its quality and scarcity—Poetry Vineyard's low yields mean production remains limited.

From an investment perspective, Poetry has demonstrated consistent appreciation. The 2013 vintage's perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker established Poetry among Napa's elite, and subsequent vintages have maintained this reputation. The 2019's perfect score from Wine Advocate suggests continued strong secondary market performance.

Compared to other Stags Leap District icons like Shafer Hillside Select or Stag's Leap Wine Cellars CASK 23, Poetry offers competitive quality at a relatively accessible price point. For collectors seeking to own a piece of one of Napa's "grand cru" sites, Poetry represents compelling value.

Food Pairing Excellence

The complexity and structure of Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 demand equally sophisticated food pairings. The wine's savory elements—those notes of aged beef and black truffle—make it a natural partner for prime cuts of beef. A perfectly grilled ribeye or beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction would echo and amplify the wine's inherent flavors.

The wine's mineral backbone and refined tannins also pair beautifully with lamb, particularly preparations that incorporate herbs like rosemary and thyme. The floral notes in the wine create unexpected harmony with these Mediterranean flavors. For a show-stopping pairing, consider rack of lamb with a tapenade crust.

Cheese courses offer another avenue for exploration. Aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Gouda complement the wine's structure, while a perfectly ripe Époisses or other washed-rind cheese can create fascinating flavor contrasts. The key is matching the wine's intensity with equally bold flavors.

Serving & Decanting Recommendations

To fully appreciate Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19, proper service is essential. The wine benefits from decanting, even at this relatively young age. Pour the wine gently into a decanter at least two hours before service, allowing it to breathe and develop its full aromatic complexity.

Temperature plays a crucial role in the wine's expression. Serve at 60-65°F (15-18°C)—slightly cooler than typical room temperature. This temperature range allows the wine's fruit to express itself while keeping the alcohol in balance. Too warm, and the wine becomes diffuse; too cool, and the aromatics remain locked.

Choose appropriate glassware—large Bordeaux-style bowls that allow the wine room to breathe while concentrating its aromatics. The ritual of proper service isn't pretension; it's respect for the winemaker's art and your investment in experiencing it fully.

Collector Considerations

For serious collectors, Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 presents both opportunities and challenges. The wine's track record of critical acclaim and limited production make it highly sought after. Securing allocations often requires membership in Cliff Lede's wine club or relationships with well-connected retailers.

Large format bottles offer particular appeal to collectors. Magnums (1.5L) not only age more gracefully due to the favorable ratio of wine to oxygen but also command premium prices on the secondary market. Cliff Lede offers Poetry in formats up to 6L, though these are extremely limited and typically require direct relationships with the winery.

Authentication becomes important as Poetry's reputation grows. Purchase only from reputable sources and maintain proper documentation. The wine's distinctive heavy bottle and elegant label make counterfeiting difficult but not impossible. When purchasing older vintages, examine fill levels and capsule condition carefully.

Sustainability & Napa Green Certification

The creation of Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2015, Cliff Lede Vineyards achieved both Napa Green Land and Napa Green Winery certifications, validating their sustainable practices.

The winery's 300-kilowatt solar panel field fully powers operations, while an extensive wastewater capture system provides irrigation water. The cave system provides naturally cool storage, reducing energy needs for temperature control. These aren't just feel-good measures—they reflect a understanding that great wine requires healthy vineyards and a sustainable environment.

In the vineyard, David Abreu's management emphasizes ecological balance. Cover crops between vine rows prevent erosion on Poetry's steep slopes while providing habitat for beneficial insects. Precision viticulture techniques minimize water usage while ensuring vine health. This holistic approach ensures Poetry Vineyard will continue producing exceptional fruit for generations.

Hawaii Availability & Local Context

For Hawaii wine enthusiasts, securing Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 locally represents a significant advantage. Shipping wine to Hawaii involves considerable logistics and expense, making local availability through Vintage Wine Cellar particularly valuable.

Hawaii's wine market has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with collectors increasingly seeking prestigious bottles like Poetry. The state's unique position as a Pacific crossroads creates a sophisticated consumer base familiar with both California wines and international selections. This cosmopolitan palate appreciates Poetry's combination of New World fruit and Old World structure.

Storage considerations in Hawaii's tropical climate make professional retailers like Vintage Wine Cellar essential. Their climate-controlled facilities ensure the wine arrives in perfect condition—crucial for a wine of Poetry's caliber and price point.

Making Your Purchase Decision

Cliff Lede Stags Leap Poetry 19 isn't merely a wine purchase—it's an investment in experiencing Napa Valley at its apex. The 2019 vintage captures a perfect moment in time when ideal weather conditions met with mature vines and masterful winemaking.

For those debating the investment, consider Poetry's unique position. Few wines combine such critical acclaim (100 points from Wine Advocate), proven aging potential (20-40 years), and relative availability. While $300+ for a bottle of wine seems substantial, in the context of Napa's ultra-premium category, Poetry delivers exceptional value.

The decision ultimately comes down to your wine journey. If you seek wines that tell stories of place, that evolve and surprise over decades, that represent the pinnacle of New World winemaking while respecting Old World traditions, then Poetry belongs in your cellar. This is wine for momentous occasions, for sharing with those who appreciate the profound, for solo contemplation of what's possible when nature and human skill unite.