2005 Larkmead LMV Salon
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Tasting notes
Good dark red, but without the ruby tones of the '05 Solari. Musky, meaty scents of black raspberry, coffee and iron-like minerality; some almost Burgundian funk here. Fat, sweet and accessible; more Pinot- than Cabernet-like in its pliancy of texture, perhaps owing to its Merlot component. This wine is technically the lowest of all of these in total polyphenols and tannins and yet a fine coating of tannins saturates the tongue and palate. Current winemaker Petroski noted that some 2006 was back-blended into the '05s to give those wines, made from what he described as "a huge crop," a bit more structure. He noted that he selected "one rough parcel of 2006, spreading it out over the winery's '05s." (15.4% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
IN PRINT AS CAB - IN DB AS PROP RED ---- their proprietary blend, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon LMV Salon, is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. A sweetheart of a wine, it is feminine and sexy, with super-lushness and silkiness, a fabulous integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood, and a full-bodied lusciousness. It is not as profound as the Solari, but in many ways, most consumers would probably prefer it, since it’s so much more accessible and already complex and drinkable. This full-bodied classic is another great example of this first-growth vineyard in northern Napa Valley. Drink it over the next 15 or more years.
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Good bright ruby. Reticent but vibrant aromas of blackberry, licorice and spices. Superripe, creamy and suave on the palate, with very good energy and a light touch to the dark fruit and spice flavors. A dense, rich wine that finishes with broad, sweet tannins and subtle persistence. This held up very well in the recorked bottle. (My sample of the Cabernet Sauvignon Solari Reserve was fat and creamy but a bit funky, with the fruit suppressed and a slight dry edge on the finish. I will assume my bottle was not representative.)