2010-2012 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical

“Fabulous aromas of blackberries, mint and licorice follow through to a full body with amazing texture and depth of fruit. It fills your mouth with wonderfully fresh tannins and a long, long finish. Pure velvet. Amazing quality.” (05/2014)

“Larkmead’s entry-level 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate captivates all of the senses from the very first taste. A huge, opulent yet structured Cabernet, the 2010 shows off tons of richness, power and structure, all while maintaining considerable detail and nuance. Black currants, melted road tar and asphalt blast thorough to the intense, palate-staining finish. I can’t imagine this being ready to drink before its 10th birthday. The 2010 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. This is a great 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. 95+ points. I was completely blown away by Larkmead this year. The 2010s are simply phenomenal across the board. (AG) 95+” (12/2012)

“(blended with 7% each merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc, plus 3% malbec; 62% new oak): Deep, bright ruby-red. Subdued but complex aromas of cassis, sage, bay leaf, licorice, violet and minerals. Sweet, suave and bright, with compelling inner-mouth energy and perfume to the dark berry, dark chocolate and iron flavors. Very suave and subtle blend with fine-grained tannins and captivating aromatic persistence. The 2009 was a big success but this may be finer with time in bottle. (ST) 93+” (05/2013)

“A unique nose of gunpowder, dried hay, figs and red plums. Impressively youthful in flavour and texture, boasting dried blackberry, chalk dust and a hint of molasses. Tannins are ripe, fresh and drying on the finish, admirably landing at the midpoint of rusticity and density. (ML)” (02/2021)

“Aromas of pine needles, fresh herbs, blackberries and currants follow through to a full body with a silky tannin texture and a juicy, mineral and light mint character. They declassified 45% of wine made and sold it in bulk so the best wines went into this.” (05/2014)

“The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up notes of mulberries, licorice, plums and tobacco leaf in its medium-bodied, surprisingly concentrated, well-made personality. There are over 3,000 cases produced, and it is one of the top wines made on the valley floor in 2011. The healthy deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by lots of fruit, soft tannins and low acidity. (RP)” (10/2013)

“Medium ruby-red. Brooding aromas of cassis, blueberry and chocolatey oak. Less fruity than the Merlot-based Firebelle but more serious, showing good lift and delineation to the flavors of currant, tobacco leaf, graphite, herbs and pepper. Very Cabernet, finishing with good grip and energy, if a bit less early pliancy than the Firebelle. (ST)” (05/2014)

“Aromas of currant, blueberry and brick character. Some dried herb too. Full body, firm and racy tannins plus dark berry, dark chocolate and mahogany. Wonderful finish.” (07/2015)

“The soft, delicious, complex 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers notes of cedarwood, blackcurrants, baking spices, Asian soy, crème de cassis, licorice and a touch of graphite. It continues to remind me of a hypothetical blend of a second or third-growth Bordeaux Pauillac with a Napa Valley Cabernet. (RP) 93+” (10/2014)

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with tons of depth and overall intensity. Graphite, menthol, new leather, smoke, herbs and black fruit are all laced together nicely. Today the tannins are a bit dusty and rough around the edges, but at the same time, the 2012 is nowhere near ready to drink, so there is plenty of time for those contours to soften a touch. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a pretty tannic wine for the year, so patience is key. (AG)” (12/2014)