Winemaker Notes
This Merlot-dominant blend opens with an alluringly aromatic nose, rich in fruit-forward and confectionary notes of morello cherries, black tea, and dark chocolate. The bouquet evolves with hints of black currant and raspberry compote, offering a lusciousness that complements the deeper, more intense black cherry and baking spice aromas. On the palate, the vibrant bramble berry notes offer refreshing juiciness, while the darker, more savory notes of cocoa, cedar, and soft leather build depth and nuance in the glass. As the wine unfolds, the velvety tannins broaden at the midpalate, showcasing the pedigree and power that the Larkmead estate vineyard provides each vintage. The supple finish lingers gracefully, departing with a soft, cocoa-tinged warmth, and a final hint of sunripened berries.
Blend: 77% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Rich and generous aromas of cherry compote, mulberry bush, blackcurrants and bitter chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with a cloying mouthfeel, fine tannins and lingering flavors of red apples, cedar, raisins and licorice.
-
Wine Spectator
Handsomely structured and plush in texture, with rich black cherry, mocha espresso and tarragon flavors that build polish on the long finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2032. 1,103 cases made.
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The Merlot-dominated 2022 Firebelle (77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon) has a spicy, complex, medium-bodied style as well as savory redcurrant and cherry fruit, some savory herb and tobacco nuances, fine yet present and building tannins, and outstanding length. It's nicely balanced, has solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.