Research Block
Established in 2020, the Research Block represents Larkmead Vineyards’ forward-looking vision and enduring commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future of Napa Valley viticulture. The three-acre experimental vineyard is planted to a diverse array of eight grape varieties, thoughtfully selected to evaluate their performance in an evolving climate, and to expand the estate’s understanding of site expression, portfolio diversity, and accessibility—all part of the Research Block Series starting in 2023.
The Research Block Series features three distinct wines: Estate Chenin Blanc, Contour Estate Red Blend, and Keyline Estate Red Blend—with the Chenin Blanc a current release and the two red blends releasing in fall 2026. These wines embody both continuity and discovery—honoring Napa Valley tradition while thoughtfully redefining it for generations to come.
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1 Contour centers on Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, layered with complementary varieties, offering a structured and nuanced expression anchored by Napa Valley’s noble grape varietal. The label features original artwork from Kate Solari Baker's "Keeping Account" series.
2 Keyline, led by Shiraz and a dynamic mix of non-traditional varieties, presents a more expansive and expressive profile, reflecting a shift toward grapes well-suited to changing growing conditions. The label features original artwork from Kate Solari Baker's "Keeping Account" series.
3 The Estate Chenin Blanc is a 100% varietal wine aged for 11 months in neutral French oak, balancing the grape's bright acidity with a round and full-bodied texture. The label features original artwork from Kate Solari Baker's "Noxious Weeds and Roadside Grasses" series.
"Equally central to the Research Block Series is its role in engaging a new generation of wine drinkers."
- Kate Solari Baker, Larkmead Vineyards Proprietor
These wines are crafted with intention and offer greater varietal diversity, earlier approachability, and a more accessible point of entry into the Larkmead portfolio. While grounded in rigorous vineyard research, the wines are designed to be vibrant, expressive, and immediately enjoyable, with a food-friendly sensibility that invites connection and conviviality. In this way, the Research Block Series reimagines how Napa Valley wines are experienced—bridging tradition with a more contemporary, dynamic style of enjoying wine.
Another distinctive element of the Research Block Series is its visual identity, with each label featuring original artwork by proprietor Kate Solari Baker. Deeply rooted in her lifelong connection to the estate, Solari Baker’s work draws inspiration from the native grasses, wild flora, and evolving landscape of Larkmead—capturing the often-overlooked elements that sustain a thriving ecosystem. In this way, the Research Block Series wines become not only expressions of vineyard experimentation, but also of place—where art, agriculture, and family legacy are intimately intertwined.
The Research Block Series wines are limited-production offerings available exclusively to Larkmead Solari Members. For more info, visit our Membership page.