Larkmead Vineyards

When visiting the Napa Valley, I usually head for the hills. The mountains on both sides of the valley are home to some of the best producers in the area and you don’t have to spend much time stuck in traffic or jostling around in crowded tasting rooms.
There are a few lesser-known properties, though, right on the valley floor, that are worth a visit simply because the wine is so terrific. Cliff Lede down near Stags’ Leap District is one. Larkmead Vineyards way up near Calistoga is another.
The Larkmead vineyard has been a supplier of quality grapes in the Napa Valley for many years, their fruit going into such big name bottlings as Cakebread and Duckhorn, among others.
Recently, though, it’s their own estate Cabernet that’s capturing all the attention. The Wine Advocate just awarded the new 2006 a 94 point rating which should earn them even more admirers. Made by DuMol winemaker Andy Smith, the Larkmead Cabernet is always a distinctive bottling. There’s great depth of flavor here with ripe fruit, pencil lead (one of my favorite Cabernet flavors) and cassis flavors that are all supported by a full body that should reward cellaring. I always recommend Larkmead, but this bottling is a standout among recent vintages.

BUY: Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2006