Larkmead Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Varietal
Producer
Vintage
2016
Size
750ML
ABV
14.5%
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
There is a deep, rich sweetness to the aromas of the 2016 Dr. Olmo that are grounded by savory forest floor and earthen notes. Wild blackberries, black cherries, redwood and graphite lift out of the glass and are followed by a potpourri of blueberry compote, macerated strawberries, purple flowers, bittersweet chocolate and espresso bean. There is a hint of menthol lifting through the center of the wine that fades when the wine spends more time in the glass. This is an intensely aromatic wine! As the wine opens up, it becomes more savory, with notes of black tea, black pepper, and pomegranate. The gravely, dusty cranberry finish is the signature of this bottling. For a heavyweight Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is incredibly nimble and ethereal.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Impressive aromas of dried flowers, crushed blackberries and plums. Some sweet-tobacco undertones. Full-bodied, dusty and juicy with chewy tannins that are supple and savory, combining with the fruit. Flavorful and intense. So structured. Drink after 2023.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (Black Label) is deep garnet-purple in color, offering exuberant notions of crushed black and red currants, warm plums and wild blueberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, violets, black tea and pencil lead plus a waft of menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers wonderfully expressive cassis and red berry preserves layers with loads of floral and savory accents, framed by firm grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Tawny in taut leather with layers of coffee bean, dried herb, plum and cherry, this wine is structured and 100% varietal, from older vines. Lengthy in power and grip, it has dusty tannin weight and breadth alongside fistfuls of Asian spice and clove and lasting acidity. Enjoy now or wait and enjoy 2026–2036.
Cellar Selection -
Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo gets the nod as the most tannic and structured, with a brutally austere style that’s just begging for bottle age. Notes of lavender, iron, camphor, graphite, and bloody blue fruits all emerge from the glass. Possessing a Bordeaux-like purity and structure, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a firm, tight, backward vibe, this is a beautiful wine, but only for those with patience. I wouldn’t think about opening bottle until at least 2026, and I suspect it will keep for 40-50 years.
Rating: 95+ -
Wine Spectator
This is distinctive, with a loamy lead-in that quickly yields to enticing alder, flint, savory, sage and tar notes ahead of a core of well-steeped currant and blackberry fruit. Keeps a smoldering edge through the finish, with earth and fruit notes working together. Best from 2022 through 2036.
Other Vintages
2015-
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
Larkmead Vineyards dates back to the late 1800s, is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020, and has been owned by the SolarI/Baker family since 1948. The historic Larkmead Estate is composed of 150 acres contiguous to the winery with 110 planted to Bordeaux varieties. The true character of Larkmead and its unique wines are a direct result of the topography, climate, and the exceptional geology of the soils. Larkmead manages the dramatic variation in soil types In order to maximize fruit and subsequent wine quality, which creates a diversified flavor profile.
Larkmead is 100% Estate fruit; it is therefore imperative that the land is treated as an ecosystem with all factors interrelated and focus on long term soil health. Larkmead is always seeking environmentally sound, long term solutions that promote the natural expression of their vineyards, resulting in wine that is unique in its purity, texture, and complexity.
BTO559436_2016 Item# 559436