With a history dating back several decades, this Napa Valley winery has become synonymous with luxury, quality, and a deep respect for the land. Lail’s journey is truly captivating and begs to be unraveled, from its history and rich soils all the way to the bottle and beyond. The above quotations are of famed critics, Robert M. Parker, Jr. and Jeb Dunnuck.

The Lail Legacy

The Lail family's connection to winemaking began in the late 1800s when Captain Gustav Niebaum established Inglenook Winery. John Daniel Jr., Niebaum’s grandnephew, continued this legacy, inheriting and elevating the status of Inglenook. His instrumental role in putting Napa Valley on the global wine map set the stage for this incredible estate and for his daughter, Robin Daniel Lail,  to bring it to new heights.

Robin's influence extends far beyond the vines of Lail Vineyards. Co-founding Dominus in 1982 with her sister, Marky and the renowned Christian Moueix, she contributed to the establishment of yet another Napa gem. To add to that impressive list, Robin established the Merryvale Vineyards, together with Bill Harlan, and was elected the estate’s President for 12 years. Her managerial prowess extended to the prestigious Meadowood Resort, and her position as Robert Mondavi's personal assistant added another layer to her illustrious career. In 1981, Robin played a pivotal role in the inception of the Napa Valley Wine Auction, a now monumental event in the world of wine philanthropy.

Robin's journey took a personal turn when she married Jon Lail in 1966. Jon, a prominent architect in the Napa Valley, brought his own creative touch to the region through his company, Lail Design Group. The architectural influence of Lail Design Group is evident in some of Napa Valley's most innovative wineries, including the Vineyard 29 caves and Cade Winery.

In the early 1990s, fueled by a desire to honor her ancestors' legacy, Robin envisioned creating wines that would reflect the essence of Napa Valley. This vision bore fruit in 1995 when Lail Vineyards produced its inaugural vintage.

Great Wine For Great Deeds

Robin's impact on Napa Valley extends beyond the vineyards and into the heart of the community. Her instrumental role in launching Auction Napa Valley in 1981 has transformed this annual charity wine auction into one of the country's largest, channeling the power of wine to benefit charitable causes.

Winemaking Mastery

A critical chapter in Lail's success story is the partnership with the highly regarded winemaker, Philippe Melka. Since the winery's inception, Philippe has skillfully crafted wines that embody the elegance and balance characteristic of Lail's offerings. With a background in geology, enology, and agronomy, Philippe's deep understanding of Napa's terroir is evident in every bottle. His ability to walk the fine line between immediate enjoyment and age-worthy structure is a testament to the hallmark qualities of Lail's wines.

The Estate Vineyards

Lail Vineyards owns and nurtures fruit from two distinctive estate vineyards. The Totem Vineyard, a 2.5-acre gem in Yountville, is a part of the original Inglenook estate and is named after a totem pole gifted by Gustav Niebaum. On Howell Mountain, the Mole Hill Vineyard produces organically farmed Cabernet Sauvignon. The whimsical origin of its name, stemming from John Daniels' playful label featuring a mole, adds a touch of charm to this high-altitude vineyard.

The Terroir

The Lail estate vineyards, though modest in size, receive meticulous care. Recognizing that the essence of perfect grapes lies in the provision of optimal nutrients, the vineyards are cultivated using sustainable farming practices. The philosophy extends to the winery, where minimal interference allows the wines to authentically express the character of the vineyards.

The Mole Hill Vineyard, situated on Howell Mountain, spans three acres of volcanic loam soil. In Yountville, the Totem vineyard, originally the source of Merlot for the J. Daniel Cuvée, has undergone a transformation, now exclusively planted with Sauvignon Blanc. This vineyard, a part of the historic Inglenook Vineyards, encapsulates the wisdom of six generations dedicated to the land. Covering two and a half acres, the Totem vineyard is situated at the north end of Yountville, where the soils tell the story of the family's enduring commitment to winemaking.

Winemaking Philosophy

Lail Vineyards is committed to producing wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir. Their winemaking philosophy revolves around minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express the unique nuances of the vineyards. The winery places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, ensuring that the land remains vibrant and healthy for future generations.

Signature Wines

Lail’s first 100-point score "Absolutely perfect and one of the monumental wines of my long tasting trip in Napa is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvee. I didn’t see this from barrel last year. Aged 20 months in 75% new French oak and representing 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from three vineyard sources: one in Calistoga, one in Oakville and one in Howell Mountain. Robin Lail and winemaker Philippe Melka hit pay dirt with a wine that has an inky purple color, an almost amazing bouquet that reminded me of 1989 Chateau Montrose when it was young. Sweet almost truffle-infused earth, graphite, forest floor, blackcurrant and black cherry notes are followed by a full-bodied wine with a hint of mocha and licorice. Superb purity, an incremental, yet full-bodied mouthfeel, and an extravagant, layered texture and finish make for the finest wine Robin Lail has produced to date at her winery. Drink it over the next 25-35 years." Robert Parker Oct 2014

Lail’s second 100-point score "One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 75% new French oak, the 2016 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color and offers up exuberant notes of crème de cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries, violets and unsmoked cigars with touches of garrigue, fragrant earth, powdered cinnamon, black olives and tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, with a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long and minerally. 950 cases produced." Lisa Perrotti Brown Oct 2018

Lail Vineyards is renowned for its small-lot, handcrafted wines, each telling a story of the vineyard and the vintage. Some of their notable offerings include:Daniel Cuvée: Named after Robin's father, this flagship wine is a Bordeaux-style blend that captures the essence of the estate's Howell Mountain vineyards. It reflects the family's commitment to producing wines of unparalleled quality and elegance.

Innovative White Wines

While many small producers focus on a single white wine varietal, Lail Vineyards breaks convention with Georgia Sauvignon Blanc. With its name celebrating the newest member of the sixth generation of the family, Georgia Eilleen, this wine had been praised as one of California’s “most complex and multi-dimensional Sauvignon Blancs.” Lail was the first U.S. winemaker to make a Graves style Sauvignon Blanc.

Lail Vineyards Succeeds Impressive

With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land, Lail Vineyards continues to produce wines that captivate the senses and tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the unique terroir of Napa Valley. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, a taste of Lail Vineyards promises an unforgettable journey through the art and science of winemaking.

Written by: Arabella Maislinger