I have long admired the wines from Larkmead Vineyards. One of the 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 Napa’s great winemakers. I adored what he has accomplished with the 2018 vintage across the board. 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.
I absolutely love the new 2018 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is dense and concentrated with some incredible cellaring potential. Even better is the downright scintillating 2018 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which really needs a little bottle age and air if opening now. This is a massive wine that shows incredible complexity and length. Learn more about this storied Napa estate at https://larkmead.com Here is the beautiful new 2018 wines by Larkmead Vineyards.
2018 Larkmead ‘Firebelle’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Firebelle’ is a gorgeous blend of nearly all Merlot (75%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet shows off cocoa powder dusted red cherry with tobacco leaf and sage undertones. The soft mouthfeel and good sense of texture adds to the enjoyment as kirsch cordial and mocha combine with shades of eucalyptus on the palate. With very elegant tannins this plush and refined Merlot blend will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2021-2036- 94
2018 Larkmead ‘LMV Salon’ Red Wine- The 2018 Larkmead ‘LMV Salon’ is a stunning new bottling by Dan Petroski. The right bank inspired blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon with the reminader Cabernet Franc saw 20 months of mostly new oak (69%) before bottling. Once on the nose this takes on lovely red bell pepper aromatics from the Cabernet Franc, alongside menthol, red currants and cigar box, adding to the great range. The palate is plush, as the seamless texture guides this highly refined wine. The weightless feeling mid-palate is really extraordinary here, as this unique Napa blend will cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2021-2039- 96
2018 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon- Deep, concentrated and brooding once in the glass, the 2018 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational showing from this esteemed vintage in the Napa Valley. Rich anise and Black Forest cake aromas fill the nose, alongside graphite and tar undercurrents. The pillowy texture entices. Ripe dark currants collide with smoky minerals, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate shavings and espresso bean flavors. Complex, and rich, yet highly elegant, this beautiful wine has another twenty years ahead of it. If enjoying now give this at least a two hour decant. Drink 2022-2039- 95
2018 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new barrel select wine. The nose is gratifying and shows really good range from pipe tobacco and leather to Turkish coffee, boysenberry cordial and smoky undertones. The palate is intense and shows a massive wall of dark fruits with graphite, espresso bean, dark chocolate cake and a light dusting of salinity. Sinfully good in its youth, give this at least a few more years for everything to fully come together. Drink 2023-2042-97