2023 Lail Vineyards ‘J. Daniel Cuvée’ Cabernet Sauvignon

WA98 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.

JD96 The flagship 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 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.