Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvee comes from a mix of terroirs (Howell Mountain, Stags Leap, Oakville, Calistoga) and is brought up in 75% new French oak. Heavenly notes of red and black currants, dried tobacco, sandalwood, flowers, and spice give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet weightless texture that carries awesome tannins, no hard edges, and just flawless balance. This majestic, regal wine is going to drink brilliantly for 25 years or more.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with seductive notes of crème de cassis, blueberry preserves and Black Forest cake, followed by suggestions of espresso, yeast extract, black truffles and charcoal plus a fragrant waft of violets. Full-bodied, rich and opulently fruited in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, earthy nuances and savory sparks, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Nothing less than a tour de force, the Lail 2018 J. Daniel Cuvée is a Cabernet of soaring beauty and fruity depth that combines amazing richness with an altogether remarkable degree of real sophistication. It offers layer upon layer of blackcurrant fruit, creamy oak, black olives and loam, and, although it is a wine of considerable concentration and muscle, it is also uncannily wellpolished for a wine that is as young and muscular as it is. We do not use the term “classic” lightly, but classic it is, and, while we have yet to see a great many of the top Cabernet Sauvignons from what is a heralded vintage, it sets a high standard that will be hard to beat. It is that good!
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James Suckling
Complex and full-bodied, this shows notes of blackberries, plums, chocolate, herbs and minerals. The palate is velvety, ample, powerful and very balanced. Terrific finish that develops and lasts. Very structured and focused. This needs at least two to four years of bottle age. Try after 2023.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.