WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
In the glass, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of perfumed violets, candied cherries, and warm vanilla spice. Red plums and figs fill the bouquet that accompany warmer notes of cocoa, tobacco, and crushed fresh mint. The structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon brings great density and tension to the center of the wine, with the site's natural vibrant acidity balanced by the smooth and plush roundness of Merlot. Sourced from several of Larkmead's oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard blocks, this wine's brooding fruitfulness is offset by the bright mineral and delicate floral notes that are a signature of their vineyard each vintage. Through all the challenges faced in 2020, this Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly captures the beauty and resilience of the historic estate.
Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
TASTING NOTES:
Aromas of hot stone, leather, sliced plums and dried herbs. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Bright acidity helps to bring definition to the well-ripened red and black fruit. Steady, lingering finish. Savory, but remains fresh.
- James Suckling, 93 pts.
The only wine produced by this great estate in the vintage, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep ruby/plum hue to go with terrific aromatics of ripe black fruits, graphite, iron, and background spicy wood. With tons of minerality on the palate as well as medium to full-bodied richness, it has ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. It’s a terrific wine in the vintage that should have 15-20 years of overall longevity.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 92+ pts.
Pushes a warm loamy note to the fore, along with steeped black currant and blackberry paste flavors, while bittersweet cocoa, worn leather and savory accents fill in through the finish. Shows a grippy back end, so give this a couple of years to fully open up. Best from 2024 through 2035.
- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.
