2009 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Solari

Dark red with ruby tones. Aromas of black raspberry, kirsch, mocha and graphite are lifted by a strong floral top-note and complicated by some oaky torrefaction. Plush, rich and deep, with its concentrated black fruit flavors currently muted by a medicinal menthol element. Plenty of texture and sweetness here but the wine is in a somewhat monolithic stage today. The building tannins currently cut off the wine's fruit a bit on the slightly aggressive finish. This bottle suffered by being tasted after the pair of 2010s but its underlying rocky minerality suggests that there's much more to come. Incidentally, Larkmead finished harvesting by the end of September in 2009 and thus escaped the impact of the rainstorms in early October. (ST)

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is super-refined and polished. There is a pure sensuality and finesse to the Solari in 2009 that is striking. Expressive floral spices and red fruit notes form the layered, totally sublime finish. The 2009 isn't as powerful or structured as the 2010, but then again, that is probably a good thing, as the wine will drink well earlier.

(100% cabernet sauvignon): Dark ruby-red. Very pure nose is dominated by kirsch, crushed rock and licorice pastille. Rich and chewy but a bit youthfully unforthcoming, showing a saline quality to the classic cassis, black cherry and mineral cabernet flavors. More deeply fruity than the LMV Salon even if it's more backward today. Finishes with huge, palate-dusting, horizontal tannins and superb persistence, with the gravelly, rocky character repeating on the aftertaste.