2015 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Solari Napa Valley 750 ml

Let’s go back in time seven years, to 2015. The fourth in a series of drought vintages in Napa Valley, it gave rise to bold, concentrated, fruit-driven wines. Some of the most famous producers—including Schrader and Scarecrow—made near-perfect wines, and one of our favorites, Larkmead, earned a place on that short list.

The only thing that can make a Larkmead Cabernet even more majestic is time in the cellar, which is why we’re thrilled to bring you the regal 2015 Larkmead Vineyards Solari Cabernet Sauvignon. Handpicked by the winery to share with Wine Access members, this ranks among the historic estate’s greatest bottles. 

This 100% Cabernet earned a 99-point score from Jeb Dunnuck, who called it “gorgeous” and “borderline perfection.” Now, after seven years in the cool of Larkmead’s Cellars, it’s entering its window of perfect drinking, cranking up the fireworks show that makes it one of Napa Valley’s most collectible Cabernets.

The name of the wine comes from Larry and Polli Solari, parents of current Larkmead proprietor Kate Solari Baker. Since Solari is named after the owners, former winemaker Dan Petroski once told us that “it needs to be our best wine.” It’s grown on a spectacular five-acre block where ancient gravel meets the clay that falls into the Napa River. “It’s got the wonderful, powerful, chiseled structure you get from gravel, and the clay soils bring the density, girth, width, body. It’s this rolling freight train of momentum on the palate. It’s got a beautiful texture and rumbles like a train."

Perfectly structured, the 2015 makes a convincing argument that 7–12 years is a good sweet-spot for Napa Cabs, but it clearly has plenty of life ahead.