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.
They recently have hired a new winemaker to replace Napa legend Dan Petroski. In 2021 Larkmead proprietors Cam and Kate Solari Baker have promoted former associate winemaker Avery Heelan to be the new head winemaker. Avery has a highly impressive resume, having joined the Larkmead Vineyards team in July 2019 after positions as Cellar Master at Screaming Eagle Vineyards in Napa, Vintage Assistant Winemaker at Domaine Yves Boyer Martenot in Meursault, France, and as a Vintage Enologist at Capel Vale Winery in Western Australia. Heelan holds an M.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, with a specialization in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California, Davis.
I absolutely love the new 2019 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is a bit tightly wound now but shows major depth and finesse. This beauty will continue living on for another twenty years. Even better is the stunning 2019 Larkmead ‘LMV Salon’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which has incredible complexity and is one of the most dazzling expressions of Cabernet Franc that I have tasted in a long while. Learn more about this storied Napa estate at https://larkmead.com Here is the beautiful new 2019 wines by Larkmead Vineyards.
2020 Larkmead ‘Lillie’ White Wine- The 2020 ‘Lillie’ Sauvignon Blanc is a gorgeous offering by Larkmead which was stored in mostly foudre prior to bottling. Texturally this is very round and generous from this oak storage, as the wine takes on layers of toasty oak that mingle with saline drenched cantaloupe, starfruit, kiwi and copious minerals, with baking spice undertones. Complex and delicious, this has both the weight and finesse to cellar nicely for another decade. Be sure to enjoy at a warmer temperature for the full range of flavors. Drink 2022-2032- 94
2019 Larkmead ‘Firebelle’ Red Wine- Outstanding even now at the three year mark, the 2019 ‘Firebelle’ combines mainly Merlot (75%) with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Once on the nose this takes on pipe tobacco and leather notes alongside espresso grounds and cinnamon sticks, with loamy soil undercurrents. The palate reveals a very plush texture and good sense of weight. Delicious to savor right now, with refined tannins and bright acidity, this beautiful wine has some great aging potential for those who can actually wait. Give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its heady youth. Drink 2022-2037- 94
2019 Larkmead ‘LMV Salon’ Red Wine- A stunning wine by Larkmead, the 2019 ‘LMV Salon’ is a dazzling blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in 53% new French oak prior to bottling, this unveils a mesmerizing bouquet of cigar ash, yellow bell pepper, anise and suggestions of creme de violette on this captivating nose. The palate shows off a killer combination of weight and tension, as everything is in beautiful balance here. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, with its intense combination of black and blue fruits, as well as red and dark florals, just wait for the exceedingly long finish. Enjoy this weightless beauty over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2022-2039- 97
2019 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon- A joy to consume now, the very elegant, yet rich 2019 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon deftly walks the tightrope between viscosity and balance. Needing a one hour decant to fully get going, once aroused this revels stunning aromatic range from linzer torte and cigar box tones alongside black currants, Turkish coffee and black rose petals that all take shape in the glass. The palate displays tremendous depth and concentration, yet does not come off as any bit heavy. Rich dark fruit flavors parade with smoky minerals, sweet pipe tobacco and loamy soils tones. A stunning wine that is great for early consumption, enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2022-2039- 95
