97pts Wine Enthusiast

This distinctive and sophisticated 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is attractive, delicious and built to age. Aromas of freshly roasted coffee cascade into flavors of violet and sweet plum sprinkled with spiced cocoa. The tannins are persistent and velvety carrying into a long finish.

97pts Decanter

Lifted and bright, revealing crunchy red-skinned fruit aromatics intermixed with purple florals, cedarwood and a subtle spearmint pop. Beautifully plump fruit introduces a medium-bodied red and possesses an absolute purity of fruit flavours that run from raspberry and cherry to pomegranate and spiced plums interlaced with brown baking spices such as cardamon and nuanced by sandalwood notes. The tannins are substantial, taut, mineral-laced, and well-integrated at this early stage. They have a commanding presence and, with some air, can be enjoyed now, but this wine has the bones to cellar for decades. This is a selection of the older vines on the property. Blended in April and bottled in August of 2023.

96pts Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the flagship 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari comes from older vines and is raised primarily in new barrels. It's notably darker hued compared to the classic Cabernet Sauvignon release and has a darker profile of ripe blackcurrants, red plums, leather, savory herbs, and scorched earth. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that shows the more restrained, focused style of the estate, with good concentration, ripe tannins, and outstanding length, along with a kiss of salinity on the finish. There's not much baby fat, but it has beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, polished, building tannins, integrated acidity, and I think it's going to age beautifully. 

96pts James Suckling

Well-balanced, layered and refined with aromas of dark cherries, black olives, dried thyme, wild herbs, black pepper and some bark. It’s full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Textural and polished with a velvety texture on the mid-palate and a very focused, persistent, vibrant and peppery finish. 

94pts Wine Advocate

Larkmead's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from mostly older vines. Black cherries, licorice, spice box and mocha scents all emerge on the nose, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that's dense and concentrated, with a long, velvety-tannic finish.

94pts Wine Spectator

Perfumed and seductive, with a mix of steeped black cherry, raspberry and red currant coulis flavors infused with black tea, singed sandalwood and warm earth through the finish. Offers a nice fleshy edge, though this remains reserved and silky overall. Drink now through 2038. 1,202 cases made.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Solari Estate Cabernet Sauvignon offers an alluringbouquet, beginning with violets and wild blackberries thatgracefully evolve into layers of spiced plum and tobacco as thewine breathes. Deep fruit notes are beautifully interwoven withsubtle vanilla and cedar, imparting a gentle warmth. Nuances ofblack tea and bay laurel add aromatic depth and complexity.On the palate, the first sip reveals a wine of remarkable intensityand poise, with a brooding, round, and structured midpalate. Avibrant acidity sharpens the focus, lifting the flavors, and addingenergy. Velvety tannins provide a delicate, yet firm frameworkthat supports the wine’s broad and plush mouthfeel. The finishis impressively long, with a seamless continuity that reveals thewine’s sophistication. The 2021 Solari Estate Cabernet Sauvignonis both powerful and elegant, embodying a stunning balance ofgrace and precision.

Winery Notes

Larkmead Vineyards dates back to the late 1800s, is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020, and has been owned by the SolarI/Baker family since 1948. The historic Larkmead Estate is composed of 150 acres contiguous to the winery with 110 planted to Bordeaux varieties. The true character of Larkmead and its unique wines are a direct result of the topography, climate, and the exceptional geology of the soils. Larkmead manages the dramatic variation in soil types In order to maximize fruit and subsequent wine quality, which creates a diversified flavor profile. Larkmead is 100% Estate fruit; it is therefore imperative that the land is treated as an ecosystem with all factors interrelated and focus on long term soil health. Larkmead is always seeking environmentally sound, long term solutions that promote the natural expression of their vineyards, resulting in wine that is unique in its purity, texture, and complexity.