2021 Larkmead "Solari" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“Lifted and bright, revealing crunchy red-skinned fruit aromatics intermixed with purple florals, cedarwood and a subtle spearmint pop. Beautifully plump fruit introduces a medium-bodied red and possesses an absolute purity of fruit flavours that run from raspberry and cherry to pomegranate and spiced plums interlaced with brown baking spices such as cardamon and nuanced by sandalwood notes. The tannins are substantial, taut, mineral-laced, and well-integrated at this early stage. They have a commanding presence and, with some air, can be enjoyed now, but this wine has the bones to cellar for decades. This is a selection of the older vines on the property. Blended in April and bottled in August of 2023. (JC)” (02/2024)

“This distinctive and sophisticated 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is attractive, delicious and built to age. Aromas of freshly roasted coffee cascade into flavors of violet and sweet plum sprinkled with spiced cocoa. The tannins are persistent and velvety carrying into a long finish. Well done. (ECB)” (07/2024)

“Lastly, the flagship 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari comes from older vines and is raised primarily in new barrels. It's notably darker hued compared to the classic Cabernet Sauvignon release and has a darker profile of ripe blackcurrants, red plums, leather, savory herbs, and scorched earth. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that shows the more restrained, focused style of the estate, with good concentration, ripe tannins, and outstanding length, along with a kiss of salinity on the finish. There's not much baby fat, but it has beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, polished, building tannins, integrated acidity, and I think it's going to age beautifully. Hide bottles for 4-6 years, and it's going to evolve gracefully through 2046.” (12/2023)

“Well-balanced, layered and refined with aromas of dark cherries, black olives, dried thyme, wild herbs, black pepper and some bark. It’s full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Textural and polished with a velvety texture on the mid-palate and a very focused, persistent, vibrant and peppery finish. Drink or hold.” (03/2024)

“Larkmead's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from mostly older vines. Black cherries, licorice, spice box and mocha scents all emerge on the nose, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that's dense and concentrated, with a long, velvety-tannic finish. It should drink well for up to two decades. (JC)” (07/2024)

“Perfumed and seductive, with a mix of steeped black cherry, raspberry and red currant coulis flavors infused with black tea, singed sandalwood and warm earth through the finish. Offers a nice fleshy edge, though this remains reserved and silky overall. Drink now through 2038. (JM)” (08/2024)

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended from seven parcels across the estate. The new approach here yields a floral, more delicate wine than in the past. The 2021 is a work in progress. I am not sure what the true voice of Larkmead is, but my intuition and experience with this vineyard and neighboring sites lead me to believe the wines here naturally want to be bigger. This is a very pretty, elegant wine. (AG)” (12/2023)