The 2016 ‘The Lark’ is absolutely magnificent and is as good as it gets in this fabulous vintage. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the bale loam soils in Larkmead’s vineyards. Displaying an incredibly inviting and expressive character, this opens to stunning aromas of ripe blackberries, dark currants, tobacco, soil, espresso, spring florals and hints of dark chocolate all bursting from the glass. This full-bodied Cabernet is beautifully structured with gorgeous round polished tannins that give way to an expansive mouthfeel that gracefully envelops the palate. Typical of all Larkmead’s wines from this vintage, this retains wonderful freshness, balance and striking purity from start to finish. Concentrated, focused and remarkably precise, the team at Larkmead has crafted a simply flawless wine in this vintage, which is nothing short of utterly brilliant now and will also have an incredibly long evolution ahead.

So much tile and brick character, highlighting the cherries and currants. Dark chocolate too. Hints of fresh herbs. Full body, soft, chewy tannins and such beautiful currant, coffee and chocolate flavors. Very long. 2020 release. Try after in 2023.

This is a rockstar vintage for Napa Cabernets. Cool weather in August prolonged the growing season and harvest, which translated into intense, deep wines that have expansive aromas, seductive textures and soft tannins. The Lark illustrates how much Petroski has evolved the style to one of freshness, purity and focus, driven by its distinctive terroir. Layers of aromas range from damp earth and tobacco to lavender and subtle dried herbs. Flavours of dense dark berries and minerals are joined on the palate by smooth, polished tannins, good acidity and a long finish—you won’t want to spit this wine out. What stands out is its authoritative structure. This won’t be released until 2020.

(95 - 97) A barrel sample of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lark (Black Label) has a fantastically expressive nose of crème de cassis, preserved plums and blackberry compote with suggestions of sautéed herbs, tobacco leaf, scorched earth and smoked meats. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, with a very firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and compelling freshness supporting the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy. 290 cases are expected to be made.- LPB

Gravel, smoke, game, licorice and tobacco are some of the many notes that take shape in the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lark. Powerful, vertical and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous depth and intensity. In the glass, The Lark is vertical in shape and intensely mineral-driven in profile. I can't wait to see how it ages. Lavender, menthol, spice and new leather add the closing layers of complexity. -- Antonio Galloni

Made entierly from Cabernet Sauvignon, this top tier wine offers dark, brooding flavors of coffee, toffee, sage and earth. It is robust in feel, showing up-front power and structure that's balanced by nuanced oak. This deserves more time in the cellar; enjoy 2026–2031. VIRGINIE BOONE

(95+ points) Brought up in 83% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lark (and actually the whole lineup in 2016) is one for the old-school California Cabernet lovers out there, with a firm, focused, old-school feel that's going to require serious bottle age to be drinkable. A complex bouquet of lavender, sage brush, graphite, blueberries, and iron all emerge from this deep, intense, yet inward wine that has tons of tannins yet matching depth and intensity. It's a brilliant wine but needs at least a decade of bottle age and I suspect will be a 50-year wine.

This sports prominent sage and bay leaf notes out front, followed by dark berry and bitter plum compote flavors. Focused and fine-grained in feel, with a lingering tug of warm earth on the finish. Should be interesting to watch this evolve. Best from 2022 through 2035. 283 cases made. — JM