96 points James Suckling: "Attractive 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. Drink in 2022. (3/15/19)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Firebelle is dense, pliant and super-expressive, with terrific depth and textural resonance. Today, the Firebelle shows more floral and savory notes than it did earlier in the year. Even so, the 2016 is vibrant, focused and full of character. The firm tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to. Drink: 2021-2036. (Dec 2018)"
92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Firebelle checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot that’s still aging in 75% new French oak. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, bright and fresh, with perfumed notes of red plums, cherries, spice and forest floor, with a terrific gravelly minerality, it lacks the oomph of the 2015 but is certainly a perfumed, elegant, balanced red. Located north of Saint Helena and pulling all from their estate vineyard located around the winery, owner Cam Baker and winemaker Dan Petroski have produced some true superstars in 2015. These are ripe, full-bodied, majestic, yet structured wines that are going to age beautifully. There’s been a distinct stylistic shift with the 2016s, which were harvest far in advance of when most were harvesting, and the wines are certainly still beautiful, yet more tannic, backward, and angular. They’ll be beautiful wines, but certainly in a different style than previous vintages. (12/29/17)"
Calistoga has long been famous for its Merlot production and Larkmead gladly continues that legacy. Historically a multi-variety blend, Firebelle has the soft, plush texture of Merlot, but with some added structure from its companion Bordeaux varieties. Merlot at Larkmead, planted on rich loam soils full of clay and gravel, is allowed to express its density, weight, and power while maintaining its attractive aroma and flavor profiles.
94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Firebelle is dense, pliant and super-expressive, with terrific depth and textural resonance. Today, the Firebelle shows more floral and savory notes than it did earlier in the year. Even so, the 2016 is vibrant, focused and full of character. The firm tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to. Drink: 2021-2036. (Dec 2018)"
92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Firebelle checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot that’s still aging in 75% new French oak. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, bright and fresh, with perfumed notes of red plums, cherries, spice and forest floor, with a terrific gravelly minerality, it lacks the oomph of the 2015 but is certainly a perfumed, elegant, balanced red. Located north of Saint Helena and pulling all from their estate vineyard located around the winery, owner Cam Baker and winemaker Dan Petroski have produced some true superstars in 2015. These are ripe, full-bodied, majestic, yet structured wines that are going to age beautifully. There’s been a distinct stylistic shift with the 2016s, which were harvest far in advance of when most were harvesting, and the wines are certainly still beautiful, yet more tannic, backward, and angular. They’ll be beautiful wines, but certainly in a different style than previous vintages. (12/29/17)"
Calistoga has long been famous for its Merlot production and Larkmead gladly continues that legacy. Historically a multi-variety blend, Firebelle has the soft, plush texture of Merlot, but with some added structure from its companion Bordeaux varieties. Merlot at Larkmead, planted on rich loam soils full of clay and gravel, is allowed to express its density, weight, and power while maintaining its attractive aroma and flavor profiles.
| Product SKU | 348729 |
| Producer | Larkmead |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| SubRegion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot |
| ABV | 14.7% |
| Ships To |
