2012 J Daniel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Lail’s 2012 J. Daniel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet in color. It storms out of the glass with powerful notions of crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, and baked plums, plus wafts of dark chocolate, licorice, and Indian spices. The full-on, full-bodied palate is bursting with black fruit and exotic spice layers, framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The utterly profound 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvée (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 75% new French oak) comes from a mix of vineyards, with one each in Calistoga, Howell Mountain, and Oakville. It shows what’s so compelling about the 2012 vintage and has an incredible bouquet of crème de cassis, kirsch, sweet earth, cedarwood, and exotic spices that just jumps out of the glass. This flows to a powerful, full-bodied, sexy Cabernet that has tons of fruit and texture, ripe, framing tannins, and a monster finish, all while staying weightless, silky, and flawlessly balanced. It’s an incredible, perfect wine from a great estate and a great vintage.
Bright full ruby. Explosive liqueur-like scents of black raspberry and chocolate plus a whiff of menthol. Compellingly large-scaled, full and opulent, conveying almost confectionery sweetness and chocolatey richness to its dark fruit, spice and licorice pastille flavors. Harmonious acidity and suave, well-integrated tannins give this wine lovely balance in spite of its serious ripeness and suggestion of youthful muscularity. This wine has plenty of baby fat to burn off and it may well last longer than my range suggests. A very flashy, modern Napa style. (16.3% alcohol; 75% new oak; the Petit Verdot component came from Heimark vineyard)
A firm, dark and deep wine that shows freshness and edge for a 2012. Full-bodied, solid and savory. Cool tannins. Forest floor and sweet tobacco. Holding on beautifully. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.