2010 Larkmead Solari – Christmas Dinner
Dan Petroski, winemaker for Larkmead Vineyards, has consistently produced exquisite and age worthy wines for years. This has rested comfortably for 8 years in the cellar and was truly worth “stashing away”. It received 96 points and could have easily received 98 (IMHO). It is 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon.
Firstly, this wine was filtered and decanted for 2 ½ hours before the meal. On the eyes, an extremely dark purple color and medium heavy viscosity. One smell of the wine, your expectations were focused and expectations set! It is a fruit driven vintage, with aromas of raspberries, blueberries and vanilla. On the palate, it burst open with an extravaganza of flavors like the conclusion at a major fireworks display. The earthiness counterbalanced with floral notes, soft vanilla tobacco, black cherry and licorice provide explosion after explosion in the mouth. The finish was one of the longest lasting wines this year. The tannins were still omnipresent with structure and the acidity was truncated due to the expressive fruits. This is a wine that beckoned one to sip and savor each droplet in the glass. This definitely will make my Best Wines List! The current release is 2017 and the winery sells it for $200-$225.
Paired with a 4 bone standing rib roast with a local fresh un-cut horseradish. Accompanied with cheesy potatoes and a garden salad with Blue cheese dressing.
While we couldn’t gather as a large family, this Larkmead Vineyard 2010 Solari provided a boast to the Christmas celebration. Excellent wine Larkmead Vineyards!
Slainte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 