Cathedral School for Boys – Cathedral: The Musical
Auction Ends: Mar 12, 2020 10:00 PM PDT

Wine & Spirits

2013 Larkmead Firebelle

Item Number
504
Estimated Value
155 USD
Sold
65 USD to kcd4c0037
Number of Bids
2  -  Bid History

Item Description

2013 Larkmead Vineyards Firebelle

Calistoga has long been famous for its Merlot production and Larkmead gladly continues that legacy. Historically a multi-variety blend, Firebelle has the soft, plush texture of Merlot, but with some added structure from its companion Bordeaux varieties. Merlot at Larkmead, planted on rich loam soils full of clay and gravel, also tends to act a bit like Cabernet. Knowing this, the wine is allowed to express its density, weight, and power while maintaining its attractive aroma and flavor profiles.

Larkmead Vineyards Notes: IN THE 2013 FIREBELLE, WE BLEND CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND PETIT VERDOT TO HELP ACCENTUATE THE MERLOT’S RIPE, BLUE PLUM SKIN AROMAS AND BERRY CHARACTER WHILE PROVIDING ACCOMPANYING FLORAL AND COLA NOTES. THESE AROMAS ARE BRIGHT BUT TIGHTLY WOVEN INTO THEMSELVES; HOWEVER, WITH TIME IN THE GLASS, THERE IS A PLEASANT HINT OF LOAM SOIL ON THE NOSE THAT BRINGS THE WINE BACK TO EARTH. IN THE MOUTH WE FIND THE CHARACTERISTIC EXPANSIVENESS OF THE VINTAGE - A BROAD, MOUTH COATING TEXTURAL COMPONENT THAT IS DUST Y WITH A HINT OF CHERRY AND BIT TERSWEET CHOCOLATE. THE TANNINS WRAP GENTLY AROUND A BLUEBERRY CORE THAT HAS SUBTLE TONES OF SASSAFRAS.

DRINKING WINDOW: THE 2013 GROWING SEASON WAS PERFECT TO EXTRACT THE DENSITY AND POWER OF MERLOT - TWO CHARACTERISTICS THAT ARE NOT OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRAPE. IN THIS BOT TLING, THE WINE IS COMPRISED OF MORE MERLOT THAN WE HAVE EVER PUT UNDER CORK AND WE ARE THRILLED THAT THE WINE HAS TAKEN THIS PATH. CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF ABOUT MERLOT’S SUBTLET Y, THIS IS AN AGGRESSIVE WINE AND WILL WITHSTAND 20+ YEARS OF CELLARING. HOWEVER, I’D LIKE TO REVISIT THIS WINE IN 3-5 YEARS AS THE ENERGY IN THE WINE IS WRAPPED UP IN ITS YOUTH. -DAN PETROSKI, WINEMAKER

Item Special Note

PLEASE NOTE: Wine cannot be shipped and must be picked up at school (San Francisco).

Donated By:

Courtney Fitzpatrick and Jim Morrone