2007 Larkmead LMV Salon
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Tasting notes
Good dark red with ruby highlights. Distinctly blacker and more medicinal on the nose than the 2007 Solari, showing obvious Cabernet Franc notes of blueberry, licorice, pepper and herbs. Then intensely flavored, chewy and concentrated, but without quite the complexity or class of the Solari. The wine's dark berry and licorice flavors are complicated by an element of almost salty minerality. This, too, is low in tannins; but Petroski noted that both '07s actually began a bit spiky but showed a finer grain and harmonized nicely with aeration. Savory rather than sweet, this wine should continue to evolve in bottle. (15.5% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet colored with a remaining hint of purple, the 2007 LMV Salon is provocatively scented of crème de cassis, baked plums and black cherry preserves with hints of cigar box, pencil lead, dried Provence herbs, Indian spices and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich and boldly fruited, the palate is still wonderfully youthful yet just starting to blossom out into an array of perfumed and spicy layers, structured with velvety tannins and finishing with fantastic freshness.
(14.5% alcohol): Bright full ruby. Slightly high-toned aromas of blueberry pastille, licorice and violet. Very concentrated and rich but clearly tougher than the last two Larkmead bottlings, with dark berry, licorice and herb flavors firmed by a solid mineral underpinning. Finishes with strong but fine-grained tannins and resounding notes of licorice and bitter chocolate. This still needs time.
(62% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 5% malbec and 3% petit verdot Deep ruby. Aromas of blackberry hard candy, licorice, violet, sage and minerals. At once opulent and perfumed, with lovely aromatic lift to the penetrating dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. Solid structure nicely supported by excellent fruit intensity. Very fresh wine.