"...große, feine SB-Nase, feine Drops, exotische Frucht, große Struktur, lang, tolles Finale" (08/2022)
Decanter: 96 Punkte
I had a chance to revisit this wine with Robin Lail in early March of 2025 at her home on Howell Mountain alongside select vintages going back to the 2005 release. In 2019, all cylinders were still firing. It has a pH of 3.3 and TA of 6, and was picked at 23 Brix. Slightly less racy than when tasted in 2022, this wine has developed a creamier texture while retaining its vibrant lemon-citrus core. Savoury honeycomb notes are beginning to emerge, complementing the original impressions of toasted Marcona almonds, vanilla, and apricot cream. The palate is expressive, with barrel fermentation lending silky textures without overshadowing the bright citrus and stone fruit. A gravelly mineral thread runs through the very long finish, now showing even more crushed stone character. Grapes are sourced entirely from Lail's estate, Totem Vineyard, in Yountville, then fermented and aged for 21 months in 70% new French oak barrels. Lail Vineyards is a partnership between fourth-generation vintner Robin Daniel Lail and her daughters, Erin and Shannon. Robin's great-granduncle was Gustave Niebaum, who founded Inglenook in 1879. Her father is John Daniel, Jr., who managed the estate until 1964, when he sold it. Maayan Koschitzky and Philippe Melka craft the Lail wines.
- Jonathan Cristaldi (05/2025)
