Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From one of the grandes dames of Napa Valley, Robin Lail’s 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvee (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot aged 20 months in 75% new French oak) exhibits a complex, multidimensional style. Its dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by abundant notes of sweet black cherry and black currant fruit intertwined with notions of licorice and loamy, earthy undertones. With sweet tannin and a full-bodied mouthfeel, this fragrant, beautifully pure and textured wine should continue to drink well for another 15+ years. The finish lasts 40-50 seconds.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.