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Larkmead Vineyards Firebelle Napa Valley Merlot Blend 2013
Rare new release of Larkmead's flagship Firebelle red. 97 Points Robert Parker: "The 2013 Proprietary Red Firebelle, a blend of 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, offers up mocha, chocolate, espresso roast, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit notes as well as terrific density and thickness. It should prove to be the finest Firebelle made to date. It should drink well when released as well as over the following 15+ years... ..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 Former winemaker Andy Smith has moved on and has been replaced by Dan Petroski, who has not missed a beat finishing the 2012s and producing the 2013s, which Cam Baker believes might be the vintage of the century for Larkmead." Larkmead 2013 Firebelle Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Ratings on Delectable
David T 
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Nose is muted fruit with minerals. Big tannins. Dark dry cassis; blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, pouched strawberries, used coffee grounds, medium spice, grainy volcanic minerals, red roses, cherry cola, leather, dry stems, black tea, nice acidity, structure is big to start but settles down as you sip, good length, balance and finish.
Nose is muted fruit with minerals. Big tannins. Dark dry cassis; blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, pouched strawberries, used coffee grounds, medium spice, grainy volcanic minerals, red roses, cherry cola, leather, dry stems, black tea, nice acidity, structure is big to start but settles down as you sip, good length, balance and finish.
9.3
Matt
Dense and weighty especially on the mid-palate. Lots of plush concentration. Sexy. Dark and plummy with great mineral and savory notes. 79% merlot, 19%CS, 5%PV.
Dense and weighty especially on the mid-palate. Lots of plush concentration. Sexy. Dark and plummy with great mineral and savory notes. 79% merlot, 19%CS, 5%PV.
9.2
Rebecca Fletcher
Blackberry, baking spice, tart cranberry. Floral and perfume. M acid, body, m+ tannin. Black fruit, cocoa. Very smooth.
Blackberry, baking spice, tart cranberry. Floral and perfume. M acid, body, m+ tannin. Black fruit, cocoa. Very smooth.
9.2
Dan O'Brien
Owner/Winemaker Gail Wines
Awesome!
Awesome!
10Todd Cutler
Opened up quickly. Round and rich, long finish.
Opened up quickly. Round and rich, long finish.
9.4
Rob N
I quite enjoyed this Bordeaux blend from Larkmead. I thought it would be more subdued. The tannins were mellow but otherwise it was bright and fruit forward. Chloe liked it. Would drink again. $100, RP 94 pts.
I quite enjoyed this Bordeaux blend from Larkmead. I thought it would be more subdued. The tannins were mellow but otherwise it was bright and fruit forward. Chloe liked it. Would drink again. $100, RP 94 pts.
9.4
Aaron Hamrock
Nice structure. Lots of blue and red fruit.
Nice structure. Lots of blue and red fruit.
9.5
Andy Hock
Dried red cherry, tobacco and clove. Chocolatey and red fruit mid body on the palate, lingering finish and mid- tannins.
Dried red cherry, tobacco and clove. Chocolatey and red fruit mid body on the palate, lingering finish and mid- tannins.
8.9
Ara Aslanian
Lush, with chocolate, with long deep expression. Hints if coffee and espresso at the end.
Lush, with chocolate, with long deep expression. Hints if coffee and espresso at the end.
9.6Barbie Fiallo
Excellent! A beautiful Merlot ... Grapes from Calistoga . It has this soft almost floral bouquet that is so elegant. The palate is complex and definitely follows in suit.
Excellent! A beautiful Merlot ... Grapes from Calistoga . It has this soft almost floral bouquet that is so elegant. The palate is complex and definitely follows in suit.
9.6
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