Larkmead Firebelle Napa Valley 2021

94 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "The 2019 The Lark offers ripe boysenberry fruit, black tea, and bay laurel with underpinnings of coffee beans, a touch of cinnamon and toffee spice. Gorgeously plush with a seamless balance of bright, juicy acidity and silky smooth tannins. An elegant fruit profile of strawberry, cherry mingles with savoury saddle leather, clove, and a touch of mint. A long beautiful finish is marked by a dusting of cocoa powder and heady brown spices. What a lovely, complex, contemplative red. It feels a touch advanced as if its drinking window will peak soon, but it has the structural integrity to go another 15 years. Drinking Window: 2023-2035. (5/4/23)"

94 points James Suckling: "Blackberries, blackcurrants, crushed stones and violets on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely, dusty undertone. Rather refined and pretty. Drink or hold. (1/27/22)"

94 points International Wine Report: "[$100 list] The 2021 Larkmead 'Firebelle' Red Blend is composed of 62% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc. This offers inviting aromas of black raspberries and red berries that are woven together with spring flowers, tobacco, wet gravel, mocha and spice nuances that emerge from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully structured with fine-grained tannins that result in a gorgeous mouthfeel. It displays excellent overall balance of fruit and acidity with a wonderful sense of freshness that takes it through the finish. This is a beautiful wine from Larkmead that should offer a drinking window that spans well over a decade. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jul 2024)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous):"[The 2019 Firebelle is fragrant and light on its feet. Crushed raspberry, cedar, tobacco and flowers lend lovely aromatic top notes to this gentle yet flavorful red blend. This is an especially savory style for the Firebelle. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Drink: 2024-2034. (Jan 2022)"