Got a nice box of Larkmead cabs yesterday, and I had to take one for the team and crack an '07. Simple pop and pour and I had no decanting plan. Had with a three meat pizza and while watching the NYY beat up on the Phillies.
Dark, saturated purple color with a very pronounced nose of DARK fruits, graphite and a hint of vanilla. Loads of glycerin cling to the sides of the glass. Cherry, licorice, oak (not too much even for such a baby) and a slight herbaceous note dominate the palate. It isn’t green bell pepper or dill here at all…and not underripe. The texture and viscosity is mouthcoating and the finish lasts for 45+ seconds. Of course it would have benefitted from a few hours of air, but right now this shows just how good pretty much every area of Napa succeeded in 2007 with Cab.
I gotta see if my distributor has it in yet. You just took delivery of it? Usually the winery gets the wine out faster than it makes it through the distribution channel.
I need a little time to save up some money anyway. Too much freaking good wine out there. The only 07 I’ve gotten so far is the Chappellet Signature Cab. Did you try that in CA?
Gloating over a Yankees championship is like being happy that the neighborhood bully kicked a scrawny kid’s butt. The Yankees should be embarrassed that they do not win more championships with the amount of money that they spend.
I have yet to try a Larkmead, I guess it is time to jump in!
2004 Larkmead is quite nice.
Yes, the Yankees win because they spend the money. Its a free market. The Yankees business model is win at all costs. Too bad so many other team owners don’t have that kind of commitment. BTW I wouldn’t call the Phils scrawny. Damn, they are a great team! Made infinitely better by their late July acquisition of Cliff Lee. What did they pay for him?
Thanks, Bill.
You note has prompted me to go back a few years in my notes. The last Larkmead I truly enjoyed was 2004. (In 2008 I only liked the Firebelle) Then in dipped (in my estimation) bottoming out in 2006.
I am glad the 2007s are showing well. My buddy Steve Eisenhauer likes to say that just about anything will show great in 2007, and I have no reason not to believe him either.
Good days for all of us.
BTW, Steve had his release party this past weekend and although I hvae not done any formal notes, I can tell you his 2007 Congruence is dark, textured, and well rounded. If its an early sign of things to come, bring it on.
Cheers!
From earlier this year 2006 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon – all oak and a little messy, there was some black fruits but finding them was a chore. Time will tell. n/a
from winter 2008 2005 Larkmead Firebelle Meritage Napa. Beautiful soft tannins with great reddish fruits. The Merlot carries this forward while the Cab gives structure. Tar and cocoa with a nice long finish. Great QPR 90/100
Thanks, Mike. Looking forward to your full impressions. So far, I’m very happy and have gotten great feedback from people who have tried a bottle (or two, in the case of Ben).
I do believe that you will not have to spend megabucks to get pretty outstanding Napa cabs from the 2007 vintage. Which is music to my ears as a consumer and as a producer makes me glad I’m not “debuting” in 2007, where it would be easy to get lost in an ocean of great wine.
I still have a few bottles of the 2002 and 2004. They have been so good that there was no reason for me to crack an 06 yet. Hopefully it will round out with some time.
Looking at my inventory indicates that the price I am paying for these has risen steadily. I paid $40 for the 2002, $47 for the 2004, and $49 for the 2006. I hope the list price tha Bill mentioned does not filter down to the retail price.