2010 Lail Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint
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The outstanding, dense plum/purple-colored 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint exhibits lots of blueberry and black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, asphalt and subtle toast. With excellent richness, medium body and an elegant, pure style, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-15 years. One of my favorite small wineries in Napa Valley, Lail Vineyards produces the most singular and distinctive Sauvignon Blanc in Napa. Although it’s expensive, it is a delicious Sauvignon modeled after a great white Graves, and is meant for long-term cellaring. In most vintages, around 300 cases are produced. Lail’s less expensive Cabernet Sauvignon, Blueprint, comes from four to six different appellations, ranging from the cooler Yountville and Coombsville areas in southern Napa Valley, to mountain vineyards such as Howell Mountain and further north to the warmest region of Napa Valley, Calistoga. The wine spends 18 months in French oak, of which about half is new. Tel. (707) 968-9900
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(100% cabernet sauvignon): Good full dark ruby. Expressive aromas and flavors of kirsch, blueberry, licorice and tar. Sweet, plush and slightly soft; already attractive and approachable. Could use a bit more definition but this rich cabernet boasts plenty of tannic support and finishes with excellent length.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint is endowed with serious minerality and pure intensity. Graphite, pencil shavings, blackberries and cloves are all woven together in this firm, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 boasts gorgeous purity, inner perfume and intensity, all in a relatively friendly, accessible style for the year. At the same time, though, there is plenty of 2010 structure in the glass. I imagine another year or two will only help the wine harmonize even more fully. This is a great showing from Lail. The Blueprint is made from parcels in Totem, Farella and Crocker vineyards.
Good full ruby. Cool aromas of medicinal black cherry, menthol and licorice, plus a whiff of fruity tropical dark chocolate. Juicy, savory and light on its feet, with an attractive sweetness to its black fruit and licorice flavors. Here the wine's dusty tannins hit the palate later, allowing the wine to express itself.