Larkmead Vineyards
2007 Larkmead Vineyards Firebelle Blend – With a Simple Summertime Meal
Background
As the weather took a major upturn in heat, we just wanted a nice enjoyable red wine to go with a light meal and sip throughout the evening. Pulled this 2007 Larkmead Firebelle and it worked out perfectly.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larkmead has been a long time favorite as former members of their wine club and still is one of my prized wines. First on the eyes, a deep ruby and brick coloring and medium viscosity. On the nose, it is very aromatic with flavors bouncing about with the three varieties in the blend of Merlot (62%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%) and Malbec (9%). Intense floral and fruit elements waft into the senses. Once on the palate, black cherry is dominant with textured intriguing surprises including mocha. At the finish, the soft and cuddling Merlot is initially perceived then giving way to rounded tannins for a layered long-lasting finish.
The 2007 was with estate grown fruit and aged 17 months in 52% new French oak barrels. It came in at 14.5% alcohol and was initially rated 93 points by Robert Parker. The current vintage is about to be released at $100/bottle and pre-orders are being taken per their website.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The dinner this evening was a spicy sausage and broccoli pasta dish. Ingredients included olive oil, sliced garlic cloves, Flatiron Dark & Smoky peppers, smoked turkey sausage, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, bow tie pastas, kosher salt and black pepper. Topped off with fresh shredded Parmesan cheese. The wine was mellow enough with the Merlot portion so as not to overpower the dish and the Malbec component in the wine, along with peppers, brought out the smoky nuances. A very good and light food and wine pairing.
The Winery
Photo from Larkmead Vineyards website
Larkmead Vineyards is a long-established winery in Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1895, incorporated 115-acre estate under the stewardship of the Solari-Baker family. Andy Smith, winemaker for Larkmead Vineyards for this vintage, has consistently produced exquisite and age worthy wines for years. We were wine club members for many years. Today winemaker Avery Heelan oversees bringing their wines to market but have not tasted her recent vintages.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly