The 2019 Larkmead Firebelle is a remarkable red wine that showcases the unique terroir of Napa Valley, California. With its deep garnet-purple color and enticing aromas, this wine is a true delight for the senses.
On the nose, the 2019 Firebelle exudes a captivating bouquet of blackberries, blackcurrants, crushed stones, and violets. These aromas intertwine harmoniously, creating a captivating and complex olfactory experience. It is a medium-to-full-bodied wine that seduces the palate with its fine, velvety tannins and fresh finish.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 94 points. He described the Firebelle as having a lovely, dusty undertone and praised its refinement and prettiness. Suckling suggested that this wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also commended the 2019 Firebelle with a score of 93 points. They highlighted its deep flavors of redcurrant jelly, blackberry preserves, and fresh blackcurrants. The wine's medium-to-full-bodied palate is finely textured, with a savory finish that is lifted by its lovely freshness.
Vinous, another reputable wine publication, awarded the 2019 Firebelle a score of 92 points. They described it as fragrant and light on its feet, with crushed raspberry, cedar, tobacco, and floral notes. This red blend offers a gentle yet flavorful experience, with a beautifully balanced profile.
Wine Enthusiast praised the Firebelle with a score of 95 points. This blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot showcases a seamless combination of savory earthiness and supple tannins. It exhibits a wealth of balanced red fruit flavors, accompanied by notes of tobacco, gun smoke, and dried herbs, all contributing to its understated elegance.
Jeb Dunnuck also lauded the 2019 Firebelle, awarding it 92 points. He commended its Bordeaux-inspired nose, which features darker cherries, currants, leather, tobacco, and damp earth. On the palate, this wine is medium to full-bodied, with wonderful purity, silky tannins, and a seamless elegance that is sure to please.
Wine Spectator concluded their review with a score of 91 points. They appreciated the wine's core of mulled loganberry and mulberry fruit, along with notes of licorice snap and roasted alder. The Firebelle is described as open-knit and juicy, with a finish that invites you to savor every sip.
Overall, the 2019 Larkmead Firebelle is a wine of exceptional quality. Its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, along with its meticulous winemaking process, results in a wine that is both elegant and complex. Whether enjoyed now or aged for further development, the Firebelle is sure to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.