Larkmead Solari Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

7 reviews for Larkmead Solari Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

1. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   WS – March 23, 2023

   Supersleek in feel, with a very precisely cut swath of cassis, bitter cherry and raspberry coulis notes coursing through, supported with sanguine and iron details and a flash of savory at the end. Restrained, refined and very long. Best from 2022 through 2036.

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   WE – March 23, 2023

   This Cabernet Sauvignon is crunchy, textured and elegant. The palate is driven by grippy tannins, with lifted elements of herbs, crushed rock and violet lingering over ripe flavors of dark cherry and currant. Enjoy from 2028 – 2038.

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   WA – March 23, 2023

   Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) was aged in French oak, 92% new. It sports a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant notions of boysenberries, black and red cherry preserves and black currant pastilles with hints of garrigue, sautéed herbs and tobacco leaf plus a waft of charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing, features a racy backbone and has finely grained tannins that support the intense red and black fruits, finishing with refreshing herbal lift. 1,238 cases were made.

4. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   DEC – March 23, 2023

   The flagship single-vineyard wine from Dan Petroski at Larkmead is remarkable in 2018. Comprised of two parcels at the southern border of Calistoga, bordering St. Helena. Soils are a combination of Cortina gravel and Pleasanton clay. A major level up in every dimension from the already fantastic Napa Valley Cabernet, the nose is enthralling: savoury and floral, ripe but restrained, smoldering and spry. The texture is seamless, multidimensional, bubt has a rustic authentically to it. A truly fantastic wine, and one to be looked to as a benchmark for balance, complexity, age-worthiness and transparency.

5. 

   JD – March 23, 2023

   The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is all Cabernet and was brought up in mostly new French oak. A gorgeous wine from this estate, it has incredible notes of blackcurrants, camphor, new leather, and dried tobacco. It takes some air yet gets even more complex, with ample licorice and loamy soil notes developing as it sits in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, lots of underlying structure, and a great, great finish. It’s going to need 5-7 years for these tannins to melt away, but this is a beauty.

6. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   JS – March 23, 2023

   Beautiful aromas of currants, blackberries and flowers follow through to a full body with ultra fine tannins that are polished and so long and persistent. Linear and very, very fine, yet structured. Try after 2025, but already very impressive to taste.

7. 

   VIN – March 23, 2023

   The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is rich, ample and wonderfully expressive, with striking textural richness and density. Red cherry, red plum, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice and blood orange all open up in the glass. More than anything else, the Solari is a wine of textural depth and resonance. The 2018 is very promising; it is shaping up to be a real beauty.