2012 Firebelle Proprietary Red

Larkmead's 2012 Firebelle is a dark, voluptuous beauty. Black fruit, spices, plums, mocha, licorice and leather meld together in an intense, powerful wine bursting at the seams with intensity and power. With time in the glass, the 2012 finds a bit more focus and finesse. Rose petals, mint, mocha, lavender, and cinnamon are layered into the finish in a striking Firebelle to drink now and over the next 15 years, give or take. (AG)

Living up to its barrel tasting notes, the 2012 Proprietary Red Firebelle (54% Merlot, 21% Malbec, 13% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon) was aged 18 months in 62% French oak. Sweet blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice, chocolate and loamy soil notes are followed by a savory, expansive, opulent, dense yet approachable and exuberant wine. It is best consumed over the next 12-15 years.

The 2012 Firebelle is rich, round and seductive. Dark plum, cherry, mocha, licorice and orange peel notes flesh out in the glass. Today the 2012 is powerful and explosive, but also not fully expressive just yet. The balance of intense fruit and tannin reflects a larger percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and less Merlot than has been the case in the past. The 2012 is a serious, concentrated Firebelle with a huge future. In 2012, Firebelle is 39% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec and 9% Petit Verdot. Yields were less than one ton per acre.