2014 Larkmead "LMV Salon" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“Even more prodigious is the 2014 LMV Salon. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc from the sandy Bale Loam soils of the 110 acres Larkmead possesses, it is a bigger boy at 14.9% alcohol but shows lots of crushed rock and wet gravel minerality, a beautiful, cedary, blackcurrant nose with notes of forest floor, allspice and soy, with more blackberry on the palate as well as some savory herbs and spice. Hints of licorice also make an appearance in this broad, fleshy, juicy and succulent style of wine meant for drinking now and over the next 20 years. (RP)” (10/2016)

“Savoury nuances of bitter chocolate and burnt sage mingle with dusty red and black fruits and petroleum jelly in a complex bouquet, prefacing an ample but controlled wine with rich, sapid tannins and cool acids. It will need some time in the cellar to reveal its full potential. (WK)” (05/2017)

“Lots of blueberry, licorice and gun-powder aromas follow through to medium to full body, fine tannins and a savory finish. Lovely balance and fruitiness. Lovely now. Tangy minerality.” (05/2017)

“Full ruby-red. Wonderfully complex nose melds red fruits and dried herbs, with the floral Cabernet Franc element adding aromatic lift. Concentrated and sharply delineated, with its very pure red fruit, spice and floral flavors displaying a restrained sweetness. Really lovely depth of flavor here. Finishes with firm, spreading tannins that avoid coming off as dry. This wine is the highest in total polyphenols of all of the LMV Salon vintages but does not come across as overly tannic. Very impressive! Winemaker Petroski added that 2014 and 2013 yielded wines with 'the biggest tannins,' noting that the '14s 'may have more energy.' (ST) 94+” (08/2019)

“Strong oak is the dominant aroma, flavor and texture, overshadowing the rich blackberry, plum, currant and anise flavors for now. Ends long, pure and chewy. (JL)” (11/2017)