Buying options

Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 92/100 · Drink 2022-2032, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2021

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.

Critic scores

Critic scores
92
92/100

Average Score

92
92/100

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

92
92/100

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

More reviews and scores

91 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Score 91/100 · Drink 2020-2032, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, Nov 2020

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.

91.5 points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Score 91.5/100 · Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2020

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.

About the producer

Larkmead
View Producer

Product details

Grape Blend

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

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