Winemaker Notes
On the palate The Lark leads with its savory side but transitions quickly to a reveal a core of licorice, luscious blue fruit and spice. The tannins are incredibly refined, and appear initially silky on the outer palate. The flavors are intense, uplifting and lingering, with a dusty black cherry finish that lasts for over a minute.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The perfect 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lark, is a limited production (268 cases) and a magnificent wine. It probably has 50 years of upside potential. The notes of melted chocolate, Christmas fruitcake, cr?me de cassis, cedar wood, truffles and camphor are all present in this wine of exceptional intensity, purity and a skyscraper-like mid-palate and finish. This is amazing wine that probably won’t hit its prime for a decade and last a good 40-50 years.
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James Suckling
Blueberry, blackberry, and licorice aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, velvety tannins, and a flavorful finish. Generous yet reserved. Shows class and depth. Better in 2020.
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Wine Spectator
Well-centered on a rich, deep core of licorice-laced blackberry, tar, cedar and crushed rock flavors. For all the depth and complexity, this is raw and rustic. Best from 2020 through 2032.
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.