2019 Lail Vineyards 'Blueprint' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The Lail stamp of quality is all over this one. The incredible fruit sourced for this stunner come from vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena. This Cab is loaded with flavor, rounded with texture, and is perfectly balanced. Sharing the “Blueprint” for their Cabernet prowess would be a grand gesture!
It’s not hard to figure out why Robin Daniel Lail is making some of the most elite wines in the Napa Valley. She’s had some time to prepare. Not only did she grow up looking over her father John Daniel’s shoulder in Inglenook Winery in Rutherford, she worked for Robert Mondavi for 5 years, then in 1982, she co-founded Dominus with Christian Moueix, and in 1983, co-founded Merryvale Vineyards with Bill Harlan, where she served as President for ten years. She founded Lail in 1995. We call that a track record. Lail’s winemaker is Philippe Melka, one of the finest winemakers in our little sylvan valley, not to mention the world. He’s worked for Lail since the beginning, not to mention Dominus Estate in Rutherford and Château Petrus in Pomerol. Not exactly a lightweight, as they say.
Wine Enthusiast
Another stunning vintage of this perennially impressive, accessible wine, this year's includes 4% Petit Verdot. Lush layers of baked plum and blueberry are met by an undertone of tobacco, clove and toasted oak, with just a hint of crushed herb and rock. Full-bodied and concentrated in style, it carries its generosity with grace. *Editor's Choice*
Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint has a deep garnet-purple color and sings of wild blueberries, morello cherries and red and black currant jellies with touches of dried mint, chocolate box and cedar chest. Medium to full bodied, the palate bursts with crunchy black fruits, supported by fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and lifted.
Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint is a fabulous entry-level wine from Robin Lail. Crème de cassis, chocolate, spice, new leather and cloves are all kicked up in this juicy, flamboyant, plush Cabernet. The Blueprint is made from a collection of top sites on Napa Valley. Best of all, it remains a fabulous value. Best after 2023
James Suckling
Beautiful complexity of blueberry, chocolate and walnut character to this red with a full-bodied yet not overpowering palate that shows freshness and richness at the end. From various areas in Napa. Warm, but firm. Lovely drinkability this year. 96% cabernet sauvignon and 4% petit verdot. Drink or hold
Jeb Dunnuck
A great value from this team, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint offers classic Cabernet notes of blueberries, currants, chocolate, and a touch of chocolaty minerality in a full-bodied, round, layered, concentrated style. It should keep for 10-15 years.