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Wine Description
The Story
Lail Vineyards traces its Napa Valley roots back five generations to the founding of Inglenook in 1879 by Gustav Niebaum, great-granduncle of Robin Daniel Lail. Passed down to third generation owner John Daniel, Jr., Inglenook thrived under his direction from 1933 to 1964 as he played a major role in the development of the Napa Valley appellation. The winery’s flagship wine, “J. Daniel Cuvee”, is named in his honor. Lail Vineyards was founded in 1995 by fourth generation vintner Robin Lail and her family to carry the unique family legacy forward into the 21st century.
Generations five and six are woven into the tapestry of the venture with the involvement of daughters Erin and Shannon, and with the “Georgia” Sauvignon Blanc named for the first member of the sixth generation. Each year the family continues its passionate quest to produce the very finest wines in the world from the blend of their ingredients – the land, the seasons, the winemaking team and the spirit of the generations who led the way.
Wine Information
“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon John Daniel Cuvee wraps around the palate with expressive layers of fruit. The pure seduction of the vintage comes through beautifully. Silky tannins help convey an impression of total seamlessness. Blue and black fruit, cloves and tar inform the radiant, powerful finish. I can’t wait to see how the 2009 develops in bottle. The 2009 was made exclusively from Heimark Vineyard in Calistoga. It spent 22 months in French oak barrels, 98% new.” -Wine Advocate (95 Points)
“Bright full ruby. Crushed blackberry, black raspberry, licorice and chocolate on the very ripe nose. Suave, pliant and fine-grained, with rich flavors of cassis, plum and chocolate. Very young but harmonious from the start in the style of the vintage. Finishes with substantial, dusty, building tannins, a firm edge of acidity and excellent length.” -Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (92(+?) Points)
The wine
“A Lail Vineyards’ classic, our 2009 J. Daniel Cuvee reveals how attention to detail is important to winemaking. It is dark, integrated and intense, with extremely refined tannins and integrated oak. Aromas include cherry, mocha, blackberries and tobacco. Focus, an explosion of black fruits, firm acidity, and broad structure, make it a timeless bottle. Drinking optimum: 2019 – 2029.”
—Philippe Melka, Winemaker
Proprietors: The Lail Family – Robin, Jon, Erin & Shannon
The wine: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Production: 470 cases (bottled as 940 units of 6x750ml)
vineyards: Howell Mountain, Oakville & Dutch Henry Canyon
Release: Summer 2012
