2014 Larkmead Vineyards The Lark

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 92.7 points

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  10/9/2022 - jonh1 Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Larkmead visit with Z+L and E+R: A very big Cabernet. Hot and high intensity. Tannins are still big 8 years in, so can probably go a bit longer, though not sure the acid is there to take it 20 years. Fudge, jam, and dirt. If you're a "bigger is better" Napa cab drinker, you'll love it. If you prefer balance, a bit more acidity, and elegance, you'll hate it (and the other Larkmeads might be more your style).
  
  Tasted at Larkmead. The other wines we tasted were restrained and decidedly "medium" in size, especially graded on a Napa curve. This wasn't.

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  11/4/2018 - msuwine wrote: 94 Points

  This soft and savory Cabernet is drinking well right now, with an earthiness and roundness that are quite compelling (in an Old World kind of way). I had hoped for more fruit intensity, though I understand this savoriness was a characteristic of the 2014 vintage at Larkmead.
  
  Dark red in color and medium in body, the wine offers aromas of blackberry, asphalt, and baking spices. Tastes of boysenberry, leather, graphite, and rosemary, with an herbal finish that carries integrated, dusty tannins. 14.5% alcohol. Decant at least an hour, not because it is tannic but because it gains complexity with air.
  
  I was a bit surprised by the lack of intensity in the wine, since the 2012 was similarly round - but it had a concentrated core that was captivating. Most likely due to the vintage, the 2014 takes a more open-knit and laid back approach, which makes it quite drinkable - but it makes the price much, much harder to swallow. For half the price, I’d go with the 2014 Olmo, which had less polish but a similarly savory taste profile (and maybe even more intensity). Hold this for at least a year to see if it develops more depth. 93-94 for now.

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