2013 Larkmead "LMV Salon" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
SKU #1258703
97 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Proprietary Red LMV Salon, which is a proprietary red of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Cabernet Franc, is stunning. The Cabernet Franc seems to give this wine a tremendous fragrance, as the opaque purple color offers notes of cedar wood, underbrush, forest floor and spring flowers along with creme de cassis and black cherries. With a full body, ripe texture and moderately high tannins, this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep 30-35 years. (RP)
(10/2015)
95 points
James Suckling
Amazing aromas of blackberry, wet tobacco, pistachio and wet bark. Full body with velvety and chewy tannins that are polished and reserved. Long and savory finish.
(1/2016)
95 points
Vinous
The 2013 LMV Salon is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. The significant presence of Cabernet Franc gives the rich, deep Larkmead fruit an additional top register of brightness that is compelling. Sweet floral notes, spice, mocha, new leather and mint are some of the signatures in this vivid, exceptionally beautiful wine. This is another wine that will require patience, but the 2013 is a knock-out, there is no doubt about it. Winemaker Dan Petroski told me he plans to increase the Cabernet Franc in this bottling. (AG)
(10/2015)
93 points
Wine Spectator
Broad and intense, this is rounded at the edges, with caressing tannins that join in rather than challenge. Built for short-term cellaring, as the blackberry, currant, mocha, licorice and dried herb notes are long and persistent. (JL, Web-2016)
K&L Notes
92+ points Stephen Tanzer in Vinous: "Dark ruby-red. A bit more liqueur-like and subdued on the nose than the Solari, and blacker in its fruit character. Powerful and thick yet somehow juicy as well, showing greater density of texture but less aromatic definition and detail than the 2013 Solari. Its slightly liqueur-like cherry cola and spice flavors were initially overshadowed by a musky oak element but aeration brought a suaver mouthfeel and building sweetness. Still, this is a less fruity style of wine than the 2013 Solari. Boasts a powerful spine, although the wine's substantial granular tannins arrive late. This wine is in an awkward stage right now and will require patience." (08/2019)