2010 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 2016 Duckhorn Patzimaro Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Started the evening with a couple of nice 2018 Chardonnays of La Crema and Rombauer with appetizers. Then worked our way into the reds with dinner.
Good friends prepared a scrumptious meal of BBQ’ed Chateaubriand, scalloped and cheese potatoes and BBQ’ed vegetables (corn, purple onion, zucchini and tomato). Also a fresh garden salad was served.
The Wine Pairing
2010 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is truly a wonderful wine. It is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. On the eyes, a deep ruby red color and medium heavy viscosity. On the nose a complex gathering of leather, licorice and violet petals. On the palate chocolate, dark berries and licorice were prominent. On the finish one of the most lush and velvety smooth finish of tannins and acidity combine harmoniously. This was taken out 3 hours before drinking and decanted twice and filtered once. Rated 95 points by Robert Parker and James Suckling. Vines from the estate property located in northern Napa Valley. Today’s price is $125 from the winery.
The second wine with the meal was the 2016 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Patzimaro Vineyard. This site is in western St Helena at the base of Spring Mountain. It is an extremely rich soil producing wonderful wines in the loam & gravelly soils. On the eyes an intense almost radiant and translucent brick red and medium viscosity. On the nose, strawberry and floral notes. On the palate, red fruit and peppercorns spice allow a very light, drinkable and refreshing Cabernet Sauvignon. The contrast between the two red wines was remarkable and each represented their terroir respectfully. Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator and today is sold at the winery for $100.
It was an amazing meal and great wines with fantastic friends!!
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 