2015 Larkmead Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Crafted by 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Winemaker of the Year Dan Petroski, the 2015 Larkmead Vineyards Dr. Olmo Cabernet earned a 97-point score from Vinous and inspired this rave from Antonio Galloni: “What a gorgeous wine it is.” It’s a bottle that keeps company with Napa’s absolute crème de la crème.

Both astoundingly complex and unabashedly delicious, the first generous whiff and sip of this deep, dark, opaque-cored wine reminded us why Larkmead lights up our senses the way few Napa Cabernets do. 

Estate-grown, it showcases that site’s signature profile, which Jeb Dunnuck characterized as “Pauillac-like notes of black cherry, cassis, lead pencil shavings, espresso roast, and gravelly minerality.”

“I personally have been smitten with this wine,” Dan told us as we both shared a bottle of Dr. Olmo, which he began bottling in the 2013 vintage. “The flavors and textures have alway been part of Larkmead, but it’s never been highlighted until now.” 

Dr. Olmo is a window into some of the older plantings at Larkmead, where vines are rarely considered for the Estate Cab before they’re a decade old. “An older vine is more interesting because it’s gone through the rigors of life, and knows how to balance itself,” Dan said. “In a hot, dry vintage like 2015, a 17-year-old vine has seen that, in 2012 or ‘07, ‘04 or ‘01. It’s been there, and knows how to protect itself against the fingerprints of the vintage. The older the vines, you get a lot of vineyard stability.”

He then added exactly what was on our minds, and what you’ll experience when you open your first bottle. “And it’s so much fun to drink.” 

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.70%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2043
• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Serving temperature – 60°
• Cork