Ramey Larkmead is now Ramey Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
Apparently due to some disagreement between the Ramey's and the owners of Larkmead, Ramey went through the trouble of removing the "Larkmead" label from his 2006 and re-labeled it "Calistoga". The same wine, just a new label. They lowered the price by a bunch!
2006 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga Napa Valley...$37.99
Compare to $80 suggested retail on The Wine Advocate
Our third release from this historic vineyard on Larkmead Lane surrounding the former Hans Kornell Winery—which in turn enclosed the historic Larkmead Winery. That winery dated from the 1880’s, when it was owned by Lillie Hitchcock Coit of Coit Tower fame. Located on the valley floor, we surmise that Ritchie Creek, separating the Spring Mountain and Diamond Mountain appellations, once ran through this site, resulting in the prominent gravel and excellent drainage which distinguishes this vineyard. I had worked with some parcels from Larkmead while I was with Rudd, so I knew its potential for quality. This vintage is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot and 2% Malbec, and was aged eighteen months in sixty percent new French barrels.
93 Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 09
Glass-staining ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding cassis and dark cherry on the nose, with a strong licorice note building in the glass. Sappy black and blue fruit flavors are framed by dusty tannins and energized by a tangy mineral note. The licorice quality repeats on the finish, which is broad, sappy and impressively persistent. For a big boy, this is pretty graceful.
92+ Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate December 2008,
Issue 180
Although backward, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Larkmead Vineyard is extremely promising. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of smoke herbs, graphite, crème de cassis, coffee beans, and toasty oak. With sensational fruit on the attack and mid-palate, and a finish filled with power, glycerin, depth, and impressive structure, this 2006 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more.
Our third release from this historic vineyard on Larkmead Lane surrounding the former Hans Kornell Winery—which in turn enclosed the historic Larkmead Winery. That winery dated from the 1880’s, when it was owned by Lillie Hitchcock Coit of Coit Tower fame. Located on the valley floor, we surmise that Ritchie Creek, separating the Spring Mountain and Diamond Mountain appellations, once ran through this site, resulting in the prominent gravel and excellent drainage which distinguishes this vineyard. I had worked with some parcels from Larkmead while I was with Rudd, so I knew its potential for quality. This vintage is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot and 2% Malbec, and was aged eighteen months in sixty percent new French barrels.
93 Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 09
Glass-staining ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding cassis and dark cherry on the nose, with a strong licorice note building in the glass. Sappy black and blue fruit flavors are framed by dusty tannins and energized by a tangy mineral note. The licorice quality repeats on the finish, which is broad, sappy and impressively persistent. For a big boy, this is pretty graceful.
92+ Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate December 2008,
Issue 180
Although backward, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Larkmead Vineyard is extremely promising. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of smoke herbs, graphite, crème de cassis, coffee beans, and toasty oak. With sensational fruit on the attack and mid-palate, and a finish filled with power, glycerin, depth, and impressive structure, this 2006 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more.
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