2009 Larkmead Vineyards Firebelle

Community Tasting Notes (51) Avg Score: 92.1 points

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  4/11/2021 - wirelesswine wrote: 92 Points

  Opened a 2009 and 2010 Firebelle for a side by side comparision, alongside some grilled Delmonico steaks. The wines came off more different than just the extra year of bottle age would suggest, so I looked back to the original winery materials that came with the shipments. Sure enough, the 2010 was referenced as less fruit-driven than its 2009 predecessor, even in its early years. For 2010, the percentage of merlot had dropped and the Cab Sauvignon and Malbec increased in the blend. This corresponds well to my experience - almost everyone at the table preferred the 2009 which was very much open for business; the 2010 seemed a bit shut down. 2009 also had a redder fruit, whereas 2010 seemed darker, perhaps more savory too. I'd open the 09's now for the excellent fruit, and continue to sit on the '10.

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  1/17/2021 - tann0008 wrote: 94 Points

  Blueberry and anise on the nose. Leather, dark fruit, and a hint of tobacco on the palette. Cocoa and raspberry on the finish. Drinking well now.

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  1/9/2021 - drrobvino wrote: 91 Points

  Final of 3 bottles. Delicious red blend, nicely matured and rounded. Great with dinner and conversation. No formal TN.

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  12/7/2020 - DucksLaw Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Started out with very dusty tannins but after about 1/2 hour really opened up to become a medium-full, concentrated, and complex wine. The merlot shines through up front, with a firm Cabernet backbone and even the floral notes of the cab franc shine through. Lingering finish. Still has years left. Well done. From back in the day when Larkmead was a relative bargain...those days are gone.

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  6/22/2020 - prism wrote:

  Drink by 2020 in my cellar; 3/1/2020-7/8/2020: Popped and poured, drank from disposable (sorry; not my call) clear plastic cups by a waterfall with cheeses (just btw, I believe few wines pair well with cheese and few cheeses pair well with wine, but oh well...). Circumstances aside, this bottle shone. Too expensive, but very delicious and gone before you know it.

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