One of the great historic Napa estates, founded in 1895, Larkmead Vineyards have gained an international reputation for their world class Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Their estate vineyard is located between Selby Creek and the Napa River at the conjunction point of two colluvial fans that extend from the Mayacamas and the Vaca mountain ranges. Vines are set on an ancient gravel riverbed gravel which lies directly beneath the topsoil. Winemaker Dan Petroski is one of they talented minds of Napa and has excelled with his new set of releases from the exciting 2016 vintage. Born in Brooklyn, Dan attended Columbia University and then completed NYU business school before moving into marketing, finance and advertising at Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated. HIs interest in wine moved him to Sicily, as caught the wine bug and later migrated to the Napa Valley, devoting himself into learning the art and science of winemaking.
His entry level Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 96) is amongst the best of Napa not only because of its depth but deft sense of balance and place. This is a remarkable wine. Even better was the 2016 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 98) which is close to perfection in a bottle, showing even more massive structure and dark fruit and non-fruit flavors. Learn more about this storied Napa estate at https://larkmead.com Here are the beautiful new Cabernet Sauvignon wines by Larkmead Vineyards.
2016 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new wine from this exciting vintage in the Napa Valley. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Petit Verdot this glorious new release was aged in 60% new French oak prior to bottling. Aromatically quite intense right out of the gate, you are immediately greeted with fresh red roses that mingle with tar, pipe tobacco and leather alongside mocha and anise aromatics that all mingle nicely together in the glass. Rich and intense on the mouth, this well-structured wine delivers ripe blackberry cobbler, crushed mint, and creosote flavors that collide with the dusty terroir on the palate. This captivating wine lingers long with black licorice and minerals. While this is remarkable, intense and fresh in its youth, the 2016 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for decades. Drink 2020-2035- 96
2016 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Solari Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolute revelation at this early state in its development. Deep, layered and highly gratifying aromatics greet you with smoky undertones that are set with black tea, exotic spices and huckleberry compote that all wonderfully meld together on the nose. There is a seamless quality that deftly carries through this wine. While obviously rich, the sense of balance is also very satisfying. Highly structured and tannic the ‘Solari’ incredible texture, yielding intense mocha, asphalt, anise and creme de cassis flavors. The black fruit and mineral driven finish lingers exceedingly long. While a delight to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Make sure and give this at least another year of bottle development prior to enjoying. Drink 2021-2045- 98