Larkmead Vineyards Comes to NYIWA

Posted Apr 21, 2011 by NYIWA | Comments ( 0 ) | Filed in:

In this short piece for the New York International Wine Auction, Cam Baker and wife Kate Solari Baker of Larkmead Vineyards welcome guests to one of the winery's harvest celebrations. Their strong passion for the land has been shared by owners and staff of Larkmead since 1895, establishing their status as one of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. Larkmead grows 100% of the fruit that comprises their wines, allowing them to control every aspect of the wine-growing process, and to craft excellent Estate wines in every vintage.

The true character of Larkmead and its unique wines are a direct result of the topography, climate, and the exceptional geology of the soils. Due to the dramatic variation in soil types, the vineyard is divided into three distinct areas in order to maximize fruit and subsequent wine quality while diversifying flavor profiles for blending purposes.
 
The amazing geology and diversity, from open fields to riverside and hill plantings, results in four distinct soil types and many subtypes. With varying amounts of rock, as well as more sun, shade or moisture in different areas, Larkmead targets them with different rootstocks, varieties, and clones to amplify the geology and wine attributes. Foggy mornings, warm afternoons, and cooling breezes in the late afternoon give the Larkmead Estate a specific microclimate ideal for full development of concentrated flavors.

This historic family property and Estate is comprised of 145 acres, with plantings of seven grape varieties ranging in age from new plantings to over 120 years old. The majority of the Estate is planted to Cabernet, with Merlot and the "noble" Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot making up the remaining red grapes planted on the site. Since 2005 Larkmead has embarked on producing world-class white wines, with 10 acres of Sauvignon Blanc planted and less than two acres of 120+ year old Tocai Friulano.

The New York International Wine Auction is honored to include Larkmead Vineyards wines in our fine selection at this year's auction.