Lail Vineyards
Summary
Lail Vineyards is a boutique family estate in Napa Valley founded in 1995 by Robin Daniel Lail, producing approximately 1,500 cases annually from three distinct vineyard sites in Howell Mountain, Rutherford, and Yountville, with a primary focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the consistent direction of winemaker Philippe Melka since inception, the winery honors its 140-year family winemaking legacy while pioneering environmental responsibility as the first carbon-neutral U.S. winery.
Heritage & Leadership
Lail Vineyards was established in 1995 by Robin Daniel Lail, representing the continuation of one of Napa Valley's deepest viticultural legacies. Robin is the great-granddaughter of Gustav Niebaum, who founded Inglenook in 1879, and the daughter of John Daniel Jr., who guided Inglenook through its golden era from 1939 to 1964. After her father's passing, Robin worked alongside Robert Mondavi before co-founding Dominus with Christian Moueix in 1982 and later Merryvale Vineyards in 1983. In 1995, she founded Lail Vineyards with her daughters Erin and Shannon, establishing a new chapter in her family's 140-year winemaking tradition in Napa Valley.
The leadership team at Lail Vineyards combines family stewardship with technical expertise. Robin Daniel Lail serves as President, while her daughters Erin and Shannon Lail hold key roles in the company's operations. Since the winery's inception, Philippe Melka has served as winemaker, bringing his geological background and experience from prestigious estates including Château Petrus, Château Haut-Brion, and Dominus. This collaboration between the Lail family and Melka has defined the winery's direction for over two decades.
Vineyards & Wines
Lail Vineyards sources fruit from three distinct vineyard sites across Napa Valley. The Mole Hill Vineyard, located on Howell Mountain at approximately 1,700 feet elevation, spans 3 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in volcanic soils. In Rutherford, the 2.5-acre Totem Vineyard sits on the valley floor with alluvial soils typical of the appellation. The newest addition is the 2-acre Sleepy Lady Vineyard in Yountville, acquired in 2009, which contributes to the J. Daniel Cuvée.
The winery produces several distinct wines, with their flagship being the J. Daniel Cuvée, named after Robin's father. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine is sourced primarily from the Mole Hill and Totem vineyards. The Blueprint portfolio includes both Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, representing the family's architectural blueprint for fine winemaking. Georgia Sauvignon Blanc, named after Robin's eldest granddaughter, is produced from a single block in Yountville. Annual production remains limited, with approximately 1,500 cases produced across all wines, maintaining the winery's focus on quality over quantity.
Philosophy & Practice
Lail Vineyards adheres to a philosophy that balances respect for tradition with modern precision. The winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention to express vineyard character, with Philippe Melka overseeing all aspects of production. For red wines, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks followed by aging in French oak barrels, with the J. Daniel Cuvée typically spending 18-20 months in 75% new French oak. Sauvignon Blanc undergoes fermentation in a combination of new French oak barrels and stainless steel, with partial malolactic fermentation to balance freshness with textural complexity.
In 2019, Lail Vineyards became the first winery in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality through a partnership with International Carbon Bank & Exchange and Cool Effect. The winery implements sustainable farming practices across all vineyard sites, focusing on soil health and biodiversity. Vineyard management includes precise water management, cover cropping, and natural pest control methods. This combination of environmental responsibility and meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard and cellar reflects the family's commitment to preserving their legacy while producing wines that authentically represent their Napa Valley origins.