2016 Larkmead "Firebelle" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
96
James Suckling
Review Date: 03/2019Attractive aromas and flavors of black olives and plums. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish. Nice, linear tannins. Turns chewy and muscular. Precise and focused. Give it some time.
Price: $89.95
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Professional Reviews
95
Int'l Wine Review
Review Date: 04/2019
The 2016 ‘Firebelle’ Red Wine is composed of 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, and it is yet another brilliant wine from Larkmead. Stunning aromatics of red and dark berries and cassis combine with spring florals, fresh herbs, licorice and earthy minerals. This possesses a lovely medium-full body with a gorgeous plush texture that gracefully envelops the palate. It continues to impress with its outstanding overall balance and striking purity as it expands beautifully on to the finish where it grips hold and shows incredible length. While the Firebelle is already extremely attractive in its youth, it also displays the elements to cruise in the cellar for many years to come. (JD)
95
Wine Enthusiast
Review Date: 11/2019
Spiky dried herb, wood and cedar join an aromatic invitation of lavender in this lovely, powerful blend of 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, all from the estate. Earthy and fresh in bright underlying acidity, it remains high-toned throughout, expressing currant, clove and cherry cola within well-integrated tannin and oak. Still, there's nothing wrong with cellaring. *Cellar Selection* (VB)
94
Wine Advocate
Review Date: 12/2018
Composed of 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Firebelle (White Label) has a seductive nose of spiced black berries, black forest cake, preserved plums and kirsch with touches of eucalyptus, espresso, licorice and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the spiced black fruit flavors completely coat the palate with loads of mint and herbal sparks, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering aniseed note. (LPB)
Staff Reviews
Ryan Woodhouse
K&L Buyer
Review Date: 07/2021
While not technically a varietal Merlot, at 67%, clearly that grape is in the driver’s seat here. Larkmead’s estate is a highly parcellated planting where vines are intricately matched with the different seams of soil that traverse the property. This is a wine that can match any Cabernet in the valley for power, intensity, and structure. The rich, decadent, mouth-filling texture is bridled by some serious tannin and wonderfully exotic oak. Red to black fruit mingles with loamy earth notes and woodsy spices. Lush mid-palate texture with tons of layers. Nice grip in the finish—decant for an hour if drinking before 2026.
Product Details
Origin: Napa Valley, California, United States
Type/Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends
SKU: #1425761