2015 Larkmead LMV Salon

A dense, powerful wine, the 2015 LMV Salon exudes class. A rush of black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice and leather fills out the wine's ample frame effortlessly. The 2015 is a big, rich wine that needs time to soften, but all the elements are in the right place. This is a decidedly virile, imposing wine, but time in the glass bring out the wine's aromatic dimension, which is heavily marked by the 40% Cabernet Franc in the blend.

A blend of 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2015 LMV Salon is a cuvee that’s moving towards being a Cabernet Franc-dominated release as the estate plants more Cabernet Franc. Cassis, spring flowers, chocolate and a rocky, river bottom-like earthiness all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, tannic 2015 that has exceptional purity and a great finish. Give bottle 3-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+. Located north of Saint Helena and pulling all from their estate vineyard located around the winery, owner Cam Baker and winemaker Dan Petroski have produced some true superstars in 2015. These are ripe, full-bodied, majestic, yet structured wines that are going to age beautifully. There’s been a distinct stylistic shift with the 2016s, which were harvested far in advance of when most were harvesting, and the wines are certainly still beautiful, yet more tannic, backward, and angular. They’ll be beautiful wines, but certainly in a different style than previous vintages.

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Lmv Salon Proprietary Red has an earthy, meaty, gamy nose with a crème de cassis and preserved plums core backed up by Christmas cake and new leather with a medicinal waft. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with firm, chewy tannins and a good core of fruit, it's just a bit astringent and closed at this youthful stage.