2011 Lail Cabernet Sauvignon J Daniel Cuvée
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvée is a deep, savory wine. Dried leaves, tobacco, dried fruit, earthiness and sweet oak are all suggestive of a wine that is fully mature. Any remaining bottles need to be finished. The shortcomings of the vintage are impossible to escape. Quite frankly, I expected the 2011 would age better than it has. Vineyard sites are Heimark, Vine Hill Ranch and Mole Hill.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright medium ruby. Captivating, pungent aromas of raspberry, Bing cherry, blood orange and flowers, plus a hint of mocha. Much more tightly wound than when I tasted it shortly after the bottling, displaying a pure raspberry puree flavor complemented by underlying savory minerality. Not opulent or fleshy but has no shortage of mid-palate stuffing. Boasts lovely purity and thrust, finishing with reasonably ripe tannins, hints of pepper and herbs and repeating minerality. Shows the coolness of this very late harvest but the fruit is ripe. (14.7% alcohol; 95% new oak)
Bright medium ruby. Captivating, pungent aromas of raspberry, Bing cherry, blood orange and flowers, plus a hint of mocha. Much more tightly wound than when I tasted it shortly after the bottling, displaying a pure raspberry puree flavor complemented by underlying savory minerality. Not opulent or fleshy but has no shortage of mid-palate stuffing. Boasts lovely purity and thrust, finishing with reasonably ripe tannins, hints of pepper and herbs and repeating minerality. Shows the coolness of this very late harvest but the fruit is ripe. (14.7% alcohol; 95% new oak) (ST) 91+