Larkmead - Firebelle Red Blend Napa 2015 (750ml)

92-95

Price: $170.00

Producer	Larkmead
Country	United States
Region	California
Subregion	Napa Valley
Varietal	Red Bordeaux Blend
Vintage	2015
Sku	1703300
Size	750ml

James Suckling: 96 Points

This merlot-based red is really exciting with dark berries dark chocolate and bark. Full-bodied dense and layered. So serious and exciting. Merlot is great here. Drink in 2020.

Wine Advocate: 92-95 Points

The 2015 Firebelle is their Merlot-dominated cuvée. Coming from the sandy soils called Bale Loam it?s a blend of 71% Merlot 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. This is a more tightly knit wine with loads of lack fruits mocha and coffee bean some licorice and tar. It is deep rich and promising with a huge upside. This will be more interesting to taste next year as it was slightly shut down. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2035.

Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points

The Merlot-dominated cuvee of the estate is the 2015 Firebelle and it checks in as 71% Merlot 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 65% new French oak. It offers a terrific bouquet of black cherries leafy herbs lavender and dried violets medium to full body loads of minerality and a fresh focused beautifully balanced style. It?s ideal for drinking over the coming 15 years. 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 wi

Vinous: 90 Points

The 2015 Firebelle shows the challenges of the growing season in its slightly roasted flavor profile and brooding potent tannins. Just as it was from barrel the Firebelle is decidedly virile. More importantly the tannins feel not fully ripe. It will be interesting to see if the 2015 gains more polish over time. I have my doubts. (Drink between 2018-2025)