Lail 2022 'J. Daniel Cuvee' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

100 points - limited              Lail's J. Daniel Cuvee Reserve Cabernet is one of Napa Valley's highest-rated Cabs of the vintage - Limited. Only 470 cases produced. 98 Points Robert Parker: "As has been the case for the last several vintages, Lail's 2022 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon draws largely on vineyard sources in Calistoga, Oakville and Stags Leap. Marked by intense black cherries and cassis, this full-bodied beauty is concentrated and velvety, finishing plush and long, while showing no chocolaty over-ripeness or dried fruit at all. Even if it appears to lack the polished structure and potential longevity of the 2021, it remains a luscious calling card for soul-satisfying Napa Valley Cabernet.” 96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The flagship 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Lail J. Daniel Cuvee is based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that’s sourced from throughout the valley. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by a brilliant Cabernet revealing loads of cassis, blue fruits, scorched earth, baking spices, and subtle chocolate oak that define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied on the palate, with a forward, voluptuous mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It plays in the ripe, forward, sexy style of the vintage and will drink brilliantly over the coming 15 years or more." ...Robin Lail is one of the true icons of Napa Valley. Her great grand-uncle Gustave Niebaum was one of the pioneers for Napa Valley viticulture as well as the founder of Inglenook Vineyards. Her family’s fascinating history dates back to 1879, and Robin can truly boast of having worked with the best professionals and superstars of Napa Valley, from Robert Mondavi and Bill Harlan to Christian Moueix at Dominus. However, she’s on her own now with Lail Vineyards and has produced a bevy of extraordinary wines with the help of her wine consultant Philippe Melka. There are two pricing tiers, with the Blueprint wines the less expensive wines aimed at consumers and the restaurant trade, and the more limited production Georgia Sauvignon Blanc and J. Daniel cuvées of Cabernet Sauvignon for connoisseurs with thick wallets."