2018 Firebelle Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Firebelle (Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon) is gracious and beautifully lifted in the glass. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, cedar and tobacco are all laced together in this attractive, mid-weight red. This is an unusually elegant, restrained style for Calistoga, where the wines are often bigger. Savory Cabernet aromatics and the bright acids of 2018 linger.
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Composed of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak (75% new), the 2018 Firebelle (White Label) has a deep garnet-purple color and notes of red currant jelly, stewed plums and mulberries with an undercurrent of black cherry compote, dried Mediterranean herbs and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has loads of savory sparks among the plummy black fruit flavors with rounded tannins and well-balanced acidity, finishing on a peppery note. 950 cases were made.
Larkmead's Merlot-based Firebelle is super-expressive and also quite savory in style. Dried flowers, grilled herbs, mint, licorice and floral notes grace the 2018. Medium in body, classy and impeccably balanced, the 2018 has a lot to offer. The purity of the flavors is striking. In 2018, Firebelle is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.