97pts Wine Enthusiast

This Cabernet Sauvignon is lifted by the addition of aromatic Cabernet Franc, creating a red wine of depth, concentration and persistence. The intensity of flavors still offers restraint and smart structural balance. Both red and black fruits intermingle with sage, licorice, coffee grounds and a hint of caramel. Impressive persistence.

94pts Vinous

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is terrific. Bold and explosive, the 2021 shows the more muscular side of the year. Black cherry, tobacco, incense and new leather all meld together in this dramatic, super-expressive Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon. 

93pts James Suckling

Aromas of blackberries, dark plums, bark and baking spices on the nose, followed by a medium to full body with fine tannins. Well-built and balanced, with a delicious core of berries and wild herbs on a velvety texture. Focused and flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

93pts Wine Spectator

Red currant, cherry and raspberry coulis notes weave together, along with singed cedar and sandalwood, sanguine and savory accents. Lingering echoes of warm humus and red tea add perfume to the finish. Elegant in style. Drink now through 2036. 2,368 cases made.

92pts Jeb Dunnuck

Moving to the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, its deeper ruby hue is followed by classic Larkmead notes of savory red and black fruits, camphor, loamy earth, and dried tobacco-like nuances. It's textbook Calistoga with its savoriness and minerality, and it s medium-bodied, with an elegant, focused mouthfeel and outstanding length. It has plenty of charm today (if you don't mind some tannins) and I suspect will evolve for 10-15 years.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (White Label) takes a base of ripe cherries and garnishes that with hints of florals and allspice. It's medium to full-bodied, plush and approachable, with ample concentration and a softly dusty, mocha-tinged finish.

Tasting Notes

The beautiful, deep, and vibrant violet-ruby color in the glass hints at the richness and depth of this Cabernet Sauvignon. When first opened, aromas of violets, mocha, and dark blue fruits envelop the nose. With time, the wine continues to evolve, as the bramble berry notes expand and make way for exotic spices and vanilla. These flavors are balanced by notes of juniper, cedar, and winter pine forest.

With dense structure and complexity, this wine continues to open and expand in the glass for hours, indicating excellent cellar potential. If enjoying upon release, the 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at cellar temperature after decanting for an
hour or two.

About the Wine

The varietal Cabernet Sauvignon is the core of the Larkmead portfolio and is also the greatest opportunity to highlight the diversity of the estate. The Cabernet Sauvignon is assembled from a range of blocks, blending all of the many soil types and clonal selections together into a single complex whole.

About the Winery

The Larkmead wine collection includes four prominent labels and each wine presents distinct portraits of the large and varied estate. The Larkmead Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is assembled from a range of blocks, blending all of the many soil types and clonal selections together into a single complex whole.

Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc