A mixed (6) Case of the Top Rated ("90-92" Parker) 2005 Larkmead
Cabernet Sauvignon and the "Firebelle", a Cabernet-Based Meritage
style blend. $290.00 after discount.
There are over 100 Napa Valley Cabernets selling in the $150-Plus
range. In most cases the owners of these estates are able to provide
a convincing argument for the price of their wine (i.e. Napa dirt,
quality grapes, state-of-the-art facility, French oak barrels,
talented winemaker, back breaking taxes, "contributions" to the local
political machine, hospitality etc). For these reasons, the
legitimately expensive Napa Cabs justify their tare.
Because high-dollar wine is subjected to microscopic scrutiny from the
international wine and foodie press, sneaking a fraudulent product
into the wholesale pool is tantamount to entering a syphilitic hyena
into a pedigree dog show (and yet it does occur). Fortunately,
there are a few top producers who deliver the goods without punishing
the consumer for their prestige or overhead.
Larkmead's wines are definite heirs to the title of "Napa's Greatest
Cabernet Value". Let's examine the facts:
*The Larkmead wines are made by Andy Smith. Andy enjoys the enviable
position of being able to work with both Bordeaux as well as
Burgundian grape varieties. He has achieved unbelievable success with
the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays he makes at Dumol (easily one of the
state's top 5 producers) as well as earning unanimous praise for his
Bordeaux-based Cabernets at Larkmead. Robert Parker calls Andy a
"Superstar Winemaker" and has ordained him with the title of "Wine
Personality of the Year".
*California's "founding father of modern winemaking" Andre
Tchelistcheff included Larkmead in his list of the four finest
vineyards in the Napa Valley (along with Beaulieu, Inglenook and
Beringer).
*Larkmead Cabernets out-perform many of Napa's famous and pricy labels
yet retail for less than 1/3rd their price. Recent vintages have
outscored the $200 Phelps "Bacchus", the $150 Beringer "Chabot", the
$115 Rubicon, the $175 Opus One, the $125 Mondavi Reserve and the $125
Vine Cliff. (I could go on but you get the idea)
*The depth, structure and fruit-driven style of the Larkmead Cabs
invite early consumption as well as plenty of grip to age for several
years.
*Consistency counts Big Time...and the Larkmead Cabs have earned
unanimous praise from Parker, the Wine Spectator, Tanzer and the
Connoisseur's Guide.
Case consists of 2-2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and 4-2005 Firebelle
*2005 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon..."94"/RC..."The '05 is composed of
100% Estate grown fruit; 92% Cabernet, 4% Merlot, 2% Cab Franc and 2%
Petit Verdot. The expensive winemaking practices employed in making
this wine are hugely disproportionate to its frugal price. The wine
was aged for 20 months in 100% French Oak barrels (Tonnelleries
Darnajou, Demptos & Sylvain) of which 60% were new. The wine glows
with a deep ruby/purple color and sports intense aromatics of sweet
black cherry, cassis and violets which highlight the floral notes of
dark cocoa, sweet spice and complex vanillin oak. The flavors explode
from a core of sweet black fruits and an elegant yet luscious mouth
feel which deepens and concentrates with aeration. Youthful, chewy
and integrated tannins provide balance and length. Andy compares the
2005 to his incredible 2001 which also enjoyed a long, nearly perfect
growing season".
"92" Parker..."Bordeaux's Pontet-Canet comes to mind when tasting the
2005 Larkmead Estate, a combination of Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc and
Petit Verdot. A deep ruby-purple hue is accompanied by aromas of
graphite, black currants, pain grille and spice. Medium-full-bodied,
impressively pure...it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next
15 years".
*2005 Larkmead "Firebelle"..."91"/RC..."A blend of 49% Merlot, 24%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine was aged
18 months in French oak barrels of which 50% were new. The wine is a
testament to the power and structure of the Merlot which Larkmead
grows in their northern Napa vineyards (where average summer temps are
considerably higher than the southern portion of the Valley). Bright
ruby/purple color, with classic Larkmead aromas of cassis, black
raspberry and menthol, underpinned by bitter chocolate and dried herb
notes. The youthful palate is initially tightly coiled but unfolds
with air to show sweet dark fruits, cocoa and brighter ripe plum
flavors. The mid-palate is broad and creamy leading to a powerful
finish featuring cassis fruit of great purity and a spicy licorice
edge".
"90" Parker...""The 2005 Firebelle comes across like a St. Emilion in
its notes of crushed rocks, herbs, black cherries, incense, spice box
and cedar. Elegant, medium to full-bodied and pure, it should drink
well for 10-12 years."
You would look like a hero should you serve these wines with the
Christmas Day rib roast or roast turkey. They have the fruit and rich
texture to enjoy now yet will easily age between 5-8 years if stored
at consistent temperature.
A great case of Napa's best -$290.00
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