Even more prodigious is the 2014 LMV Salon. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc from the sandy Bale Loam soils of the 110 acres Larkmead possesses, it is a bigger boy at 14.9% alcohol but shows lots of crushed rock and wet gravel minerality, a beautiful, cedary, blackcurrant nose with notes of forest floor, allspice and soy, with more blackberry on the palate as well as some savory herbs and spice. Hints of licorice also make an appearance in this broad, fleshy, juicy and succulent style of wine meant for drinking now and over the next 20 years.- RP

Shows a mature edge around a core of still-succulent boysenberry and blackberry compote notes, while hints of singed alder, dried violet and iris join a long thread of warm cast iron to help carry the stylish finish. Suave. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. -- Blind 2014 California Cabernet retrospective (June 2024). Drink now through 2037. - JM

Savoury nuances of bitter chocolate and burnt sage mingle with dusty red and black fruits and petroleum jelly in a complex bouquet, prefacing an ample but controlled wine with rich, sapid tannins and cool acids. It will need some time in the cellar to reveal its full potential. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/usa/california/larkmead-lvm-salon-napa-valley-california-usa-2014-13361#IMBuaa16YZYMb5tt.99