Region: Napa Valley, California

Vintage: 2017

Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot

History: The historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned establishments in Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1895, Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam and Kate Solari Baker. Larkmead’s legendary vineyard features a remarkable diversity of soils that are more typical of a hillside than the valley floor. Centuries of alluvial flow have resulted in the accumulation of ancient riverbed gravel, clay, and loam. Winemaker Avery Heelan captures the nuance and complexity of this site by vinifying small lots according to clonal selection and soil type.

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of purple flowers, red cherries, cedar, warm gravel, and graphite fill the glass. With time, the nose on this wine continues to evolve, revealing plum, leather, and tobacco accents. The palate is youthful and vibrant, balancing on the lighter side of blue and black fruits and berries. The wine is in constant motion, playfully dancing across the palate until it dissolves into dusty, fine tannins. A second sip introduces you to cherry candy and wet rock minerality. A third sip brings forest floor bramble and dried herb notes. Though the product of a stressful and dramatic vintage, this wine resonates with immense purity, poise, and grace.