Larkmead Vineyards

Firebelle Napa Valley Merlot Blend

9.332 ratings
9.38 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot Blend
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Nose is muted fruit with minerals. Big tannins. Dark dry cassis; blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, pouched strawberries, used coffee grounds, medium spice, grainy volcanic minerals, red roses, cherry cola, leather, dry stems, black tea, nice acidity, structure is big to start but settles down as you sip, good length, balance and finish.

Nose is muted fruit with minerals. Big tannins. Dark dry cassis; blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, pouched strawberries, used coffee grounds, medium spice, grainy volcanic minerals, red roses, cherry cola, leather, dry stems, black tea, nice acidity, structure is big to start but settles down as you sip, good length, balance and finish.

1 person found it helpfulJan 14th, 2017
Matt

Dense and weighty especially on the mid-palate. Lots of plush concentration. Sexy. Dark and plummy with great mineral and savory notes. 79% merlot, 19%CS, 5%PV.

Dense and weighty especially on the mid-palate. Lots of plush concentration. Sexy. Dark and plummy with great mineral and savory notes. 79% merlot, 19%CS, 5%PV.

1 person found it helpfulSep 1st, 2016
Rebecca Fletcher

Blackberry, baking spice, tart cranberry. Floral and perfume. M acid, body, m+ tannin. Black fruit, cocoa. Very smooth.

Blackberry, baking spice, tart cranberry. Floral and perfume. M acid, body, m+ tannin. Black fruit, cocoa. Very smooth.

1 person found it helpfulAug 2nd, 2016
Dan O'Brien

Owner/Winemaker Gail Wines

10

Awesome!

Awesome!

1 person found it helpfulApr 23rd, 2016
Austin Blackwell

Very full bodied with dark cherry and currant with tobacco undertones. Larkmead is generally bigger Cabs and being this is a blend I didn’t expect it to be this big. But very good!

Very full bodied with dark cherry and currant with tobacco undertones. Larkmead is generally bigger Cabs and being this is a blend I didn’t expect it to be this big. But very good!

Aug 20th, 2024
Austin Blackwell

Drinking really well now. Tertiary aromas and flavors are becoming present.

Drinking really well now. Tertiary aromas and flavors are becoming present.

May 24th, 2024
Todd Cutler

Opened up quickly. Round and rich, long finish.

Opened up quickly. Round and rich, long finish.

Dec 16th, 2023
Rob N
9.4

I quite enjoyed this Bordeaux blend from Larkmead. I thought it would be more subdued. The tannins were mellow but otherwise it was bright and fruit forward. Chloe liked it. Would drink again. $100, RP 94 pts.

I quite enjoyed this Bordeaux blend from Larkmead. I thought it would be more subdued. The tannins were mellow but otherwise it was bright and fruit forward. Chloe liked it. Would drink again. $100, RP 94 pts.

May 14th, 2023
Aaron Hamrock

Nice structure. Lots of blue and red fruit.

Nice structure. Lots of blue and red fruit.

Oct 24th, 2017
Andy Hock

Dried red cherry, tobacco and clove. Chocolatey and red fruit mid body on the palate, lingering finish and mid- tannins.

Dried red cherry, tobacco and clove. Chocolatey and red fruit mid body on the palate, lingering finish and mid- tannins.

Dec 18th, 2016