Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo 2016

Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo 2016

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.

Critical Acclaim

97 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, combined with the fruit. Flavorful and intense. So structured. Drink after 2023.

95 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.

95 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 20262036.

95 Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo gets the nod as the most tannic and structured, with a brutally austere style thats 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 wouldnt think about opening the bottle until at least 2026, and I suspect it will keep for 40-50 years.

94 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.