2001 Lail Cabernet Sauvignon J Daniel Cuvée
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvée is a big, potent wine that shows the ultra-rich, concentrated style that was in vogue at the time. There is plenty of dark fruit, chocolate and torrefaction character, but less in the way of finesse in the aromas, flavors or tannic structure. Sadly, the 2001 is past peak; any remaining bottles need to be finished. Vineyard sources were Vine Hill Ranch and Mole Hill.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, saturated medium ruby. Superripe aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and mocha. Pure, pliant and complete, delivering a captivating combination of sweetness, juiciness and density of texture. Not as thick as the following few vintages but boasts lovely inner-mouth lift. This superb, slowly evolving wine finishes with refined horizontal tannins that saturate the tongue and cheeks. A beautiful showing today, but still with a long life ahead of it. Incidentally, my original note on this wine back in 2004 said that it was the first vintage to be made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, as neither Robin Lail nor winemaker Philippe Melka liked the Merlot in 2001. (70% new oak)
Bright, saturated medium ruby. Superripe aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and mocha. Pure, pliant and complete, delivering a captivating combination of sweetness, juiciness and density of texture. Not as thick as the following few vintages but boasts lovely inner-mouth lift. This superb, slowly evolving wine finishes with refined horizontal tannins that saturate the tongue and cheeks. A beautiful showing today, but still with a long life ahead of it. Incidentally, my original note on this wine back in 2004 said that it was the first vintage to be made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, as neither Robin Lail nor winemaker Philippe Melka liked the Merlot in 2001. (14.4% alcohol; 70% new oak)
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Robin Lail and her husband is still a baby in terms of development. Notes of sweet damp earth, forest floor, charcoal, graphite, black currants and white chocolate emerge from this full-bodied, complete, textured wine. It needs another 2-4 years of cellaring to resolve its tannin, but it is a long, pure, rich, riveting example of Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink well for another two decades or more. Tel. (707) 968-9900; Fax (707) 968-9911