2013 Larkmead LMV Salon
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Tasting notes
Dark ruby-red. A bit more liqueur-like and subdued on the nose than the Solari, and blacker in its fruit character. Powerful and thick yet somehow juicy as well, showing greater density of texture but less aromatic definition and detail than the 2013 Solari. Its slightly liqueur-like cherry cola and spice flavors were initially overshadowed by a musky oak element but aeration brought a suaver mouthfeel and building sweetness. Still, this is a less fruity style of wine than the 2013 Solari. Boasts a powerful spine, although the wine's substantial granular tannins arrive late. This wine is in an awkward stage right now and will require patience. (15.6% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Proprietary Red LMV Salon, which is a proprietary red of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Cabernet Franc, is stunning. The Cabernet Franc seems to give this wine a tremendous fragrance, as the opaque purple color offers notes of cedar wood, underbrush, forest floor and spring flowers along with creme de cassis and black cherries. With a full body, ripe texture and moderately high tannins, this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep 30-35 years.
The 2013 LMV Salon is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. The significant presence of Cabernet Franc gives the rich, deep Larkmead fruit an additional top register of brightness that is compelling. Sweet floral notes, spice, mocha, new leather and mint are some of the signatures in this vivid, exceptionally beautiful wine. This is another wine that will require patience, but the 2013 is a knock-out, there is no doubt about it. Winemaker Dan Petroski told me he plans to increase the Cabernet Franc in this bottling.
The 2013 LMV Salon is quite backward at this stage, even with the addition of 30% Cabernet Franc to the Cabernet Sauvignon. Intensity and overall power rule the day, although hints of iron, smoke, new leather and licorice gradually begin to emerge from the glass. The explosive, resonant finish bodes quite well for the future, but the real question is how far off that really is.