2009 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
Winemaker Notes
Alcohol 14.7%
75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged for 17 months in 75% new French oak barrels from Demptos & Sylvain
190 cases produced
Tasting Notes
"There aren't many designate bottlings of Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley, but we felt in this particular vintage, we captured the essence of the variety and the vineyard with our first (and possibly only) Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Franc. The first red wine release of the 2009 vintage, the wine shows an intense purity of fruit and concentrated secondary characters that are germane to grape variety-spice, red licorice and dried herbs. The broad, textured mouth-feel adds to the wine's depth and complexity. The structure in its youth commands decanting if drunk upon release and a minimum of an additional 2-3 years of cellaring will benefit the development of the wine in glass. The wine is 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and was bottled un-fined and unfiltered in April 2011."
— Dan Petroski, Associate Winemaker
Steven Tanzer International Wine Cellar, 90-93 POINTS
"From five-year-old vines; blended with 25% cabernet sauvignon: Medium ruby. Subdued but pure aromas of blackberry, violet, licorice, menthol and mint. The strong mineral and menthol notes carry through on the palate, along with a distinctly saline savory quality and a hint of bitter chocolate. The strong tannins arrive late, but this very young and rich wine will nonetheless need bottle aging to reveal its complexity. Winemaker Smith notes that the cabernet franc on this estate was picked at nearly 26 degrees Brix in 2009, riper than the cabernet sauvignon." — May/June 2011
