Lail J Daniel Cuvee 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley

Lail Vineyards

The wine shows intense ruby color. The very seductive nose reveals fresh crushed berries of cassis, strawberry and cherry essence. The attack in the mouth is dense with soft texture and layered with fruit. It expresses the finesse and harmony of a ‘grand vin’. The finish arrives with vibrancy and pure tannins.

Wine Advocate

The 2005 J. Daniel Cuvée is a slightly more restrained version of the 2004 and 2003. Elegant berry fruit interwoven with notes of crushed rocks, flowers, and red as well as black currants, a sweet palate, ripe tannin, and tremendous intensity are characteristics of this more reserved, European-styled cuvée. It should be consumed during its first 15 years of life. Score: 90-92 - Robert Parker, December 2006.

Wine Spectator

Smooth-textured, rich and polished, this stylish wine offers a mix of herb, currant, black cherry and plum fruit that's ripe and well-proportioned, ending with graceful tannins. Best from 2009 through 2013. 710 cases made. Score: 90 - James Laube, September 30, 2008.

Type	Red
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage	2005
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.7%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley - Howell Mountain
Wine Advocate	90-92
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	90
Other	n/a

Philippe Melka, winemaker

The expertise of our winemaker, Philippe Melka, is reflected in the beautiful balance of our wines. With degrees in geology, agronomy and enology and 15 years of experience in France, Australia, Italy, and the Napa Valley, Melka brings consummate knowledge of vineyards and winemaking and a passion for exploring the relationship between soil and wine quality. We believe the apex of his artistry is in the blends he creates. Each harvest, his wines express a continuity of style and the best the vintage year offers.

Because we believe that winemaking is a partnership with the earth, we bring great reverence and care to our timing of the harvest and management of the fermentation to ensure that the grapes have every opportunity to evidence their origins.