Description
TASTING NOTES
Of all our newly released wines, the Firebelle has by far the most inviting aromatic profile. Burnt matchstick gives way to plum skin and accents the wine’s ripe, red, fleshy core. Further investigation reveals scents of flowers, a touch of spice, some clove and sassafras bark that linger in the glass, even after the wine is consumed.
In the mouth, the Merlot dominates the supple core of this wine, but – as with the ever-shifting aromatics – the palate is similarly changeable: nimble and ethereal with one sip, smooth and charming the next. The young vine Cabernet that makes up a quarter of the blend adds to the red fruit tones and makes for a bright, fresh finish.
WINE: 2014 FIREBELLE
CLASSIFICATION: LARKMEAD VINEYARDS
PRODUCTION: 1,413 CASES
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 72% MERLOT 25% CABERNET SAUVIGNON 3% PETIT VERDOT
SOIL PROFILE: PLEASANTON LOAM (CLAY)
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
FRENCH OAK AGING: 19 MONTHS, 66% NEW TONNELLERIE BOSSUET
DRINKING WINDOW
Though always a wine that provides early pleasure in the glass, the Firebelle will also reward cellaring. With 10- 15 years of age, this wine will show its classic Bordelaise plum character wrapped in dried tobacco and cigar ash. Drink now and over the course of the next 15-25 years.
