Larkmead 'Solari' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2018

Larkmead 2018 'Solari' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, USA

Larkmead is one of the Napa Valley’s most storied and iconic wine estates, forged by a century’s worth of wine vintages that have helped to make the region one of the world’s most recognized areas for Cabernet Sauvignon. Since 1895, the Larkmead estate has been home to some of Northern California’s most unique stories and wines. The property in Calistoga was first purchased by the Coit family, who had relocated from North Carolina (the name might ring a bell—Coit Tower was named for Lillie Coit, who was saved from a fire by the SFFD, and upon her death in 1929, left a third of her fortune to the City of San Francisco). Lillie, known for her exuberant energy and intellect, was often found running around San Francisco with artists and philosophers. Once her family became concerned with her “antics”, they sent her up to the estate in Calistoga to quiet down, but she quickly turned it into a hotspot for movers and shakers to come together. She named it ‘Larkmead’ after the area's meadowlarks.  

In 1948, Larkmead’s current proprietors, the Solari family, purchased this unique estate in Calistoga, at the very northern tip of the Napa Valley. This area is one of the valley’s most geologically diverse, as it’s where the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges pinch together, forming the valley’s most narrow point, only a mile and a half wide. The estate’s property spans the entire valley floor, granting Larkmead access to clay, gravel and clay, a combined holy grail for Napa soils.   

Renowned winemaker Dan Petroski, who relishes the diverse soils of the Calistoga estate for making incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, makes the wines at Larkmead. 

Farming: Sustainable. Heavily leaning toward Farming_Organic, not Certified

Winemaker/Chef du Cave: Dan Petroski 

Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Soil Type: Gravel, Sand, Clay, Plesanton loam series

https://www.larkmead.com/