- Home/
Larkmead Vineyards Dr. Olmo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
97 Points Parker Rare new release of Larkmead's rare Reserve Cabernet. 96 Points Antonio Galloni: "The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (black label) is utterly magnificent. Towering and statuesque, the 2013 deftly balances ripeness, intensity and freshness, with suave tannins (for a big wine) and fabulous overall balance. A host of sweet red plum, pomegranate, spice, white pepper, crushed rocks and rose petal add the final shades of nuance. The 2013 is the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. The black label Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from parcels in the center of the estate planted on Cortina gravel.." Robert Parker:...As I have written before, this is an extraordinary estate spread out in one contiguous parcel (unusual) in the center of the Napa Valley floor, north of St. Helena and south of Calistoga. Proprietor Cam Baker farms 110 acres, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is the Olmo Clone which became well-known as the Eisele Clone when it was planted in the famous vineyard of that name. A singular characteristic of the Larkmead vineyard is that it has a strong vein of old river gravel. Former winemaker Andy Smith has moved on and has been replaced by Dan Petroski, who has not missed a beat finishing the 2012s and producing the 2013s, which Cam Baker believes might be the vintage of the century for Larkmead."
Ratings on Delectable
Al Shikoh 
opaque purple; blackberries, mint, tobacco leaf, violets, graphite; dark fruit, anise, slight herbaceousness, crushed gravel reminiscent of an Old World wine; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from older vines, planted in Cortina Gravel, aged 17 months in 58% new French oak; the black label pays homage to Dr. Harold P. Olmo a UC Davis professor who conducted clonal trials on Larkmead's property in the 1940's and 50's; 14.7% ABV; $185
opaque purple; blackberries, mint, tobacco leaf, violets, graphite; dark fruit, anise, slight herbaceousness, crushed gravel reminiscent of an Old World wine; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from older vines, planted in Cortina Gravel, aged 17 months in 58% new French oak; the black label pays homage to Dr. Harold P. Olmo a UC Davis professor who conducted clonal trials on Larkmead's property in the 1940's and 50's; 14.7% ABV; $185
9.3
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Ripe dark fruits, sweet spice and big red floral bouquet on the nose. M+ tannins, big structure, dark cassis; dry blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, strawberries, used coffee grounds, fresh and dry red florals, dusty tannins, dry brown earth with crushed rocks, medium spice, decent acidity, finish is a little lean and ends in the drier side. Another one that needs at least five more years before you open.
Ripe dark fruits, sweet spice and big red floral bouquet on the nose. M+ tannins, big structure, dark cassis; dry blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, strawberries, used coffee grounds, fresh and dry red florals, dusty tannins, dry brown earth with crushed rocks, medium spice, decent acidity, finish is a little lean and ends in the drier side. Another one that needs at least five more years before you open.
9.2
Henrik Poulsen
96+ pts.
96+ pts.
9.7
S Butterfield
Sommelier Flask Fine Wines
Impressive. There's a while lot of deep dark density. Fruit and earthy pepper and mineral. Entry of silk. Dusty chalky serious tannin....yet friendly. It is delicious and solid, above above average.
Impressive. There's a while lot of deep dark density. Fruit and earthy pepper and mineral. Entry of silk. Dusty chalky serious tannin....yet friendly. It is delicious and solid, above above average.
9.6Josh Betz
Average work night
Average work night
9.4
Austin Blackwell
Delicious. Great aromatics with loads of dark berry and plum at the center of perfumed oak influence and age driving tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, and sandalwood. Dark and brooding palate with nice acidity and well mellowed tannins. Gave it a 2 hour decant before drinking.
Delicious. Great aromatics with loads of dark berry and plum at the center of perfumed oak influence and age driving tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, and sandalwood. Dark and brooding palate with nice acidity and well mellowed tannins. Gave it a 2 hour decant before drinking.
9.4
Charles Mires
Excellent but pricey
Excellent but pricey
9.4John Zuzek
Wow! Deep, dark and dense. Lots of black currants, boysenberry and blackberries with some tobacco and anise. Long finish - at least 60 seconds. Tannins are big but they don’t hurt you. Silky palate. Outstanding.
Wow! Deep, dark and dense. Lots of black currants, boysenberry and blackberries with some tobacco and anise. Long finish - at least 60 seconds. Tannins are big but they don’t hurt you. Silky palate. Outstanding.
9.5
Bob Boyle
Very closed on opening, 2 hours later it opened to show its potential - great!
Very closed on opening, 2 hours later it opened to show its potential - great!
9.5
Tim Hickey
Thanksgiving 2017
Thanksgiving 2017
9.1
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.