Winemaker 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
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
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.
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Jeb Dunnuck
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.
Rating:92+ -
Wine Spectator
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.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There are 2,400 cases of the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (White Label), all harvested prior to September 27 of that year, according to winemaker Avery Heelan. It's a red-fruited wine, with scents of strawberries and redcurrants and a dusting of cocoa powder. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's silky and elegant, with a lingering finish.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.