Benchmark Wines by
Lail Vineyards
The Winery
Lail Vineyards
"“If you meet Robin, the wines make sense. They have power, finesse, charm and class.” "
- – Philippe Melka, Winemaker
Robin Daniel Lail’s heritage began in 1879 with the founding of Inglenook Vineyards by her great–granduncle, the iconic Captain Gustave Niebaum. By the early 1890s, this brilliant man’s obsession for achieving the pinnacle of excellence earned Inglenook wines the status of being considered by many as the finest produced in the country. The determination to achieve excellence was carried forward through the decades following Niebaum’s death in 1908, with a crescendo in the thirty years following the repeal of Prohibition under the meticulous, passionate stewardship of John Daniel, Jr., Robin’s father. The collection of Cabernets coming from his years of ownership is still celebrated today as some of the finest red wines on earth. Although Inglenook was sold in 1964, the passion for winemaking did not fade. Robin inherited her father’s respect for tradition. Today her family honors his legacy with their relentless pursuit to produce wines second to none.
Tasting Notes
- WA99
- The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvée is probably the qualitative equivalent of the 2012, but slightly more backward and coiled tight. Coming from three vineyards that Robin Lail uses in Napa Valley: one in Calistoga, one in Oakville and the other on Howell Mountain. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in about three-fourths new French oak. Just under 1,000 cases are produced. The 2013 comes across like a Napa version of the famous Château Montrose in Bordeaux’s St.-Estephe. Earthy notes intermixed with chocolate, blackcurrant liqueur, grilled meats and spice are all present in this opaque purple wine. Graphite and floral notes are also present. It is full-bodied and ripe with beautiful purity and superbly integrated acidity, alcohol, wood and tannin. This wine needs another 4-5 years, as it’s less dramatic and flamboyant compared to the 2012. It should evolve and age beautifully for 30+ years. Rating: 99+ Points.
- V94
- Inky, opulent and intense, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon John Daniel Cuvée will thrill readers who enjoy big wines. Chocolate, mocha, cloves and new leather are all pushed forward in a full-throttle, unapologetically rich wine. As good as the 2013 is - and it is gorgeous - the underlying pedigree here is such that this could be a materially better wine.
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