Winemaker Notes
At first the aromas of the 2014 LMV Salon are brooding and reticent. It is difficult to penetrate the wine’s outer skin, but careful study reveals scents of blue and black fruit, dark chocolate and coffee bean. With air, however, the nose opens dramatically, displaying an evolving bouquet of bright red fruit and spice, along with a subtle herbal tone that speaks to the Cabernet Franc at the core of the blend. Similarly, the first sip of this wine reveals a tightly muscular palate. As it relaxes, however, the flavors begin to unfold from the texture – revealing notes of charred wood, wet loam, spice, red clay, and dried earth. The fruit flavors are precise on the tongue, and travel from the warmth of black cherry to the brightness of red cherry.
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even more prodigious is the 2014 LMV Salon. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc from the sandy Bale Loam soils of the 110 acres Larkmead possesses, it is a bigger boy at 14.9% alcohol but shows lots of crushed rock and wet gravel minerality, a beautiful, cedary, blackcurrant nose with notes of forest floor, allspice and soy, with more blackberry on the palate as well as some savory herbs and spice. Hints of licorice also make an appearance in this broad, fleshy, juicy and succulent style of wine meant for drinking now and over the next 20 years.
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James Suckling
Lots of blueberry, licorice and gun-powder aromas follow through to medium to full body, fine tannins and a savory finish. Lovely balance and fruitiness. Lovely now. Tangy minerality. Drink and enjoy.
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Wine Spectator
Strong oak is the dominant aroma, flavor and texture, overshadowing the rich blackberry, plum, currant and anise flavors for now. Ends long, pure and chewy. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2028.
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.