Cabernet Sauvignon Solari 2016 Larkmead

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (92)

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in Darnajou French oak, 90% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it is profoundly scented of baked blueberries, prunes and crème de cassis with touches of kirsch, cedar chest, menthol and bay leaves plus a waft of charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of chewy, rugged tannins and lively freshness supporting the dense, muscular black fruit, finishing long and savory.

James Suckling (95)

This rolls across the palate with a nimble, firm tannin structure that is beautiful and focused. Medium to full body. Savory finish. Hints of walnuts, dried tea and tobacco.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

Another deep, powerful wine, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 21 months in 72% new French oak) reveals a ruby/purple-hued color as well as ample black, black fruits, charcoal, graphite, and tobacco-laced aromas and flavors. While it’s still in the firm, austere style of all these 2016s, this cuvée is one of the more rounded, supple, and textured, and is certainly the most drinkable today. Nevertheless, it needs at a minimum 7-8 years of cellaring to start to approach its window of prime drinking and will keep for decades.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

Entirely varietal and made from a tiny yielding section of the estate vineyard, a force of nature and mineral. A substantial nose of baked black fruit, coffee bean and chewy, grippy tannin give it a tenacity and weight that finds length enough to smoothen out the sharp edges, dried herb and clove.

Winespectator (94)

Bright red currant, raspberry and damson plum coulis flavors race through, with tweaks of savory and sassafras as well. Rich and polished in feel, with a well-embedded singed juniper thread on the finish. Distinctive and long.