97 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$125 list] This Cabernet Sauvignon is lifted by the addition of aromatic Cabernet Franc, creating a red wine of depth, concentration and persistence. The intensity of flavors still offers restraint and smart structural balance. Both red and black fruits intermingle with sage, licorice, coffee grounds and a hint of caramel. Impressive persistence. Alcohol 14.7%. (Jul 2024)"
95 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "Alluring nose of red currants, black cherry, and pomegranate notes interlaced with cedar spices and nuanced by bright Lilac florals. Medium-bodied with assertive fine-grained tannins that build with intensity as layers of spicy red fruit, saline-scented minerals, and a firm backbone of racy acidity all mount towards an extremely fresh and floral finish. The 2021 vintage produced small yields, and winemaker Avery Heelan says this estate Cabernet offers a full expression of the property from grapes planted on its heavy loam and gravelly soils. Heelan is crafting the blends to be more open and generous upon release, and they are, but they are not lacking in structure. My impression of all three 2021 Larkmead reds is that they should be cellared and enjoyed over the next two decades easily. The difference between Heelan and the previous winemaker, Dan Petroski, is that Heelan prefers to cherry-pick fruit in the vineyard for ripeness rather than pick by soil type, and blends much later than her predecessor, and is focused on creating a base of stable tannins early in the fermentation process, with ferments rising to 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, in the first couple of days. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (2/21/24)"
94 points International Wine Report: "The 2021 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics of black raspberries, cassis and plum, which are woven together with tobacco, fresh violets, scorched earth and underlying wet gravel nuances all developing beautifully in the glass. On the palate this possesses a medium-plus body with a gorgeous polished texture, driven by a ripe core that pushes out flavors of dark berries, black plums, spices, herbs and a touch of floral which linger all the way through the finish. Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc which spent 20 months in 64% New French Oak. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jul 2024)"
95 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "Alluring nose of red currants, black cherry, and pomegranate notes interlaced with cedar spices and nuanced by bright Lilac florals. Medium-bodied with assertive fine-grained tannins that build with intensity as layers of spicy red fruit, saline-scented minerals, and a firm backbone of racy acidity all mount towards an extremely fresh and floral finish. The 2021 vintage produced small yields, and winemaker Avery Heelan says this estate Cabernet offers a full expression of the property from grapes planted on its heavy loam and gravelly soils. Heelan is crafting the blends to be more open and generous upon release, and they are, but they are not lacking in structure. My impression of all three 2021 Larkmead reds is that they should be cellared and enjoyed over the next two decades easily. The difference between Heelan and the previous winemaker, Dan Petroski, is that Heelan prefers to cherry-pick fruit in the vineyard for ripeness rather than pick by soil type, and blends much later than her predecessor, and is focused on creating a base of stable tannins early in the fermentation process, with ferments rising to 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, in the first couple of days. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (2/21/24)"
94 points International Wine Report: "The 2021 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics of black raspberries, cassis and plum, which are woven together with tobacco, fresh violets, scorched earth and underlying wet gravel nuances all developing beautifully in the glass. On the palate this possesses a medium-plus body with a gorgeous polished texture, driven by a ripe core that pushes out flavors of dark berries, black plums, spices, herbs and a touch of floral which linger all the way through the finish. Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc which spent 20 months in 64% New French Oak. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jul 2024)"
| Product SKU | 352551 |
| Producer | Larkmead |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| SubRegion | Napa Valley |
| Appellation | Calistoga |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc |
| ABV | 14.7% |
| Ships To |
