2016 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon ‘The Lark’ Napa Valley

JS98 So much tile and brick character, highlighting the cherries and currants. Dark chocolate too. Hints of fresh herbs. Full body, soft, chewy tannins and such beautiful currant, coffee and chocolate flavors. Very long. 2020 release. 
VIN97 Gravel, smoke, game, licorice and tobacco are some of the many notes that take shape in the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lark. Powerful, vertical and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous depth and intensity. In the glass, The Lark is vertical in shape and intensely mineral-driven in profile. I can’t wait to see how it ages. Lavender, menthol, spice and new leather add the closing layers of complexity.
WA96+ Deep garnet-purple colored, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lark (Black Label) is boldly scented of creme de cassis, mocha and smoked meats with nuances of blueberry compote, plum preserves, sautéed herbs and fertile loam. Full-bodied, taut, muscular and built like a brick house, the tight-knit black fruit and savory layers have a solid foundation of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and meaty. 283 cases were made.
Estate Notes: The grape growing conditions in the 2016 vintage were some one of the finest on record for Larkmead. Thus, this bottling rivals the depth and power of its older sibling, the 2013, to which Robert Parker bestowed a perfect 100-point score.
Black cherry liquor and cured meat dominate the early bouquet, while licorice and graphite follow. The wine’s aromas finish with savory sage notes and a little lavender brightens it up.

Though all Larkmead wines are blessed with a signature core of ripe blue fruit, dried herbs, and bittersweet chocolate, The Lark bottling consistently wraps these nuances into the perfect silk and velvet package. Suppleness of palate is also characteristic of The Lark. It touches and softens all of the corners of your mouth, elegantly releasing its perfume for 30 seconds or more. This is a profound wine and its brilliance is unmatched.