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96 AG. "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is super-refined and polished. There is a pure sensuality and finesse to the Solari in 2009 that is striking. Expressive floral spices and red fruit notes form the layered, totally sublime finish . . . . I was completely blown away by Larkmead this year. The 2010s are simply phenomenal across the board. This is also a vintage in which the different terroirs Larkmead works with are vividly marked. While many wineries are aggressively pushing the boundaries of pricing, Larkmead takes the opposite approach. The fashionable cult-loving crowd might look past these offerings, but savvy readers will recognize that Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignons in particular are some of the very best wines being made in Napa Valley today. If forced to choose one top-flight Napa Valley producer that remains under the radar, Larkmead would get my vote. These are spectacular wines that deserve a much broader audience. I can't say enough good things about what proprietor Cam Baker, winemaker Andy Smith and the entire team at Larkmead are doing at this historic property." Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, Dec 2012 |