Larkmead Vineyards Larkmead LMV Salon 2014 750ml

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.

Even more prodigious is the 2014 LMV Salon. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc from the sandy Bale Loam soils of the 110 acres Larkmead possesses, it is a bigger boy at 14.9% alcohol but shows lots of crushed rock and wet gravel minerality, a beautiful, cedary, blackcurrant nose with notes of forest floor, allspice and soy, with more blackberry on the palate as well as some savory herbs and spice. Hints of licorice also make an appearance in this broad, fleshy, juicy and succulent style of wine meant for drinking now and over the next 20 years.

Shows a mature edge around a core of still-succulent boysenberry and blackberry compote notes, while hints of singed alder, dried violet and iris join a long thread of warm cast iron to help carry the stylish finish. Suave. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. -- Blind 2014 California Cabernet retrospective (June 2024). Drink now through 2037. 804 cases made.

The 2014 LMV Salon offers lovely depth and intensity. Today, the Cabernet Franc is really expressive, not just in its signature aromatics, but in its mid-weight, refined feel. The 2014 was much more expressive last year. Then again, it was just bottled. Red stone fruit, mint, rose petal, mocha and raspberry jam open up nicely, while beams of tannin give the wine its energetic feel. (Antonio Galloni)

Lots of blueberry, licorice and gun-powder aromas follow through to medium to full body, fine tannins and a savory finish. Lovely balance and fruitiness. Lovely now. Tangy minerality. Drink and enjoy.

Strong oak is the dominant aroma, flavor and texture, overshadowing the rich blackberry, plum, currant and anise flavors for now. Ends long, pure and chewy. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2028. 804 cases made. (James Laube)