2011 Firebelle Proprietary Red

Larmead's 2011 Firebelle is pretty, refined and understated. Sweet herbs, tobacco, menthol, plums and licorice all take shape in the glass. The 2011 Firebelle is an attractive wine, but it also shows the limits of the year in its medium-bodied structure and slightly angular contours. Ideally, the 2011 should be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

The 2011 Proprietary Red Fire Bell, a blend of 42% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, displays a dark ruby/plum color along with sweet red and black currant fruit intertwined with hints of sweet and sour cherries, a whiff of herbaceousness and a medium-bodied, elegant style. Drink it over the next 5-8 years. This splendid estate situated in the heart of Napa Valley, just north of St. Helena, has enjoyed a reputation for high quality for well over a century. Tasting with winemaker Andy Smith and Larkmead’s proprietor Cam Baker demonstrated once again just what brilliant wines these can be. All of the top cuvees (Solari, LMV Salon and the Lark) were declassified and not produced in 2011. 2012 appears to be a fabulous vintage for proprietor Cam Baker. Tel. (707) 942-0167

(42% merlot, 27% malbec, 21% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc): Moderately saturated ruby-red. Tobacco, fresh herbs, menthol and licorice on the nose, lifted by a peppery element. Juicy but on the lean side, with good energy to the cassis and herb flavors. Tannins turn a bit dry on the back. Winemaker Andy Smith told me that he did a very extractive fermentation in 2011 "to pull out every last iota of material in the wines. The seeds were lignified so we didn't have to worry about getting bitter seed tannins." He also upped the percentage of new oak for aging.