![Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon "Solari" 2017 (Napa Valley, California) - [JD 95+] [JS 95] [WE 95] [VM 94] [WS 93] [WA 92+]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/products/LarkmeadSolariBTL_{width}x.png?v=1631658805)
Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon "Solari" 2017
(Napa Valley, California) - [JD 95+] [JS 95] [WE 95] [VM 94] [WS 93] [WA 92+]
Regular price $225.00 Sale price $199.97 Save $25.03
About the Winery:
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:
Violet, dried herbs, and black tea dance around the nose while a core of cassis and dark fruit tones remind you of the warm vintage. With time in the glass, a dusting of red cherry and plum expand the fruit profile and give you a hint of what to expect on the palate.
The wine enters with sweet macerated fruit, black cherry jam, and dusty, bittersweet chocolate that push to all corners of your palate. The texture of this wine is broad and driven by our vineyard: crushed rocks, gravel, and scorched earth are classic Solari characteristics. The finish on this wine lingers for 20-30 seconds with generous, mouth-coating tannins.
CLASSIFICATION: LARKMEAD
PRODUCTION: 1,169 CASES
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SOIL PROFILE: CORTINA (GRAVEL), PLEASANTON LOAM (CLAY)
ALCOHOL: 14.2%
FRENCH OAK AGING: 19 MONTHS, 90% NEW TONNELLERIES DARNAJOU & SYLVAIN
CELLARING: DRINK NOW AND AGE 10-30 YEARS
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:
Violet, dried herbs, and black tea dance around the nose while a core of cassis and dark fruit tones remind you of the warm vintage. With time in the glass, a dusting of red cherry and plum expand the fruit profile and give you a hint of what to expect on the palate.
The wine enters with sweet macerated fruit, black cherry jam, and dusty, bittersweet chocolate that push to all corners of your palate. The texture of this wine is broad and driven by our vineyard: crushed rocks, gravel, and scorched earth are classic Solari characteristics. The finish on this wine lingers for 20-30 seconds with generous, mouth-coating tannins.
Technical Information
WINE: 2017 SOLARICLASSIFICATION: LARKMEAD
PRODUCTION: 1,169 CASES
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SOIL PROFILE: CORTINA (GRAVEL), PLEASANTON LOAM (CLAY)
ALCOHOL: 14.2%
FRENCH OAK AGING: 19 MONTHS, 90% NEW TONNELLERIES DARNAJOU & SYLVAIN
CELLARING: DRINK NOW AND AGE 10-30 YEARS
Ratings & Reviews
95+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is a smaller production cuvée and is (as always) all Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in 90% new French oak. Its similar inky purple color is followed by a beautiful nose of pure cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with notes of dark chocolate, violets, crushed herbs, and plenty of chocolaty, earthy minerality. Rich, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated, it stays focused, tight and backward on the palate, yet is loaded with potential. It's going to reward 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for 25+." (1/31/2020)
95 Points - James Suckling:
"This rolls across the palate with a nimble, firm tannin structure that is beautiful and focused. Medium to full body. Savory finish. Hints of walnuts, dried tea and tobacco. Drink after 2021." (10/17/2019)
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This Cabernet Sauvignon from a low-yielding part of the estate is deeply aromatic and complex in juicy, rich layers of red and blue berries. Lean yet powerful, the tannins take on a grip that offers additional structure and firmness, with a gravelly, earthy finish. Enjoy 2027–2030." - Virginie Boone (12/1/2020)
94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is dark, fleshy and enveloping in feel. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, chocolate, licorice and grilled herbs add myriad shades of complexity, but searing tannins need time in bottle to soften. Pretty floral and savory notes develop in the course of time. The 2017 will reward readers who can wait." - Antonio Galloni (1/2020)
93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dark and winey, offering a mix of steeped black currant, fig and boysenberry notes, infused liberally with dark tea and licorice root flavors. Features a gutsy, juicy finish. This will need a little time. Best from 2022 through 2033. 1,169 cases made." - JM (11/15/2020)
92+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in Darnajou French oak, 90% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it is profoundly scented of baked blueberries, prunes and crème de cassis with touches of kirsch, cedar chest, menthol and bay leaves plus a waft of charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of chewy, rugged tannins and lively freshness supporting the dense, muscular black fruit, finishing long and savory." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (12/19/2019)
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is a smaller production cuvée and is (as always) all Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in 90% new French oak. Its similar inky purple color is followed by a beautiful nose of pure cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with notes of dark chocolate, violets, crushed herbs, and plenty of chocolaty, earthy minerality. Rich, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated, it stays focused, tight and backward on the palate, yet is loaded with potential. It's going to reward 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for 25+." (1/31/2020)
95 Points - James Suckling:
"This rolls across the palate with a nimble, firm tannin structure that is beautiful and focused. Medium to full body. Savory finish. Hints of walnuts, dried tea and tobacco. Drink after 2021." (10/17/2019)
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This Cabernet Sauvignon from a low-yielding part of the estate is deeply aromatic and complex in juicy, rich layers of red and blue berries. Lean yet powerful, the tannins take on a grip that offers additional structure and firmness, with a gravelly, earthy finish. Enjoy 2027–2030." - Virginie Boone (12/1/2020)
94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is dark, fleshy and enveloping in feel. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, chocolate, licorice and grilled herbs add myriad shades of complexity, but searing tannins need time in bottle to soften. Pretty floral and savory notes develop in the course of time. The 2017 will reward readers who can wait." - Antonio Galloni (1/2020)
93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dark and winey, offering a mix of steeped black currant, fig and boysenberry notes, infused liberally with dark tea and licorice root flavors. Features a gutsy, juicy finish. This will need a little time. Best from 2022 through 2033. 1,169 cases made." - JM (11/15/2020)
92+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in Darnajou French oak, 90% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it is profoundly scented of baked blueberries, prunes and crème de cassis with touches of kirsch, cedar chest, menthol and bay leaves plus a waft of charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of chewy, rugged tannins and lively freshness supporting the dense, muscular black fruit, finishing long and savory." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (12/19/2019)