The 2003 LMV Salon is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. It takes its name from the iconic San Francisco socialite, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who established a “salon” at Larkmead. This wine cuts an even broader, more expansive flavor profile across the palate, offering gorgeous notes of creme de cassis, background oak and licorice, and hints of lead pencil shavings and spring flowers. Strikingly complex, this stunning wine reveals a freshness and vivacity that go against the general reputation of this vintage. It is a crunchy, juicy effort with 14.7% alcohol, although the latter component is not the least bit noticeable. Slightly more evolved than the basic Cabernet Sauvignon, this beauty is accessible now, so there is no reason to delay your pleasure. It should be strutting its stuff for 15-20 years. This exquisite, historic (the vineyard was well-known in the 1800s) source for great Cabernet Sauvignon situated on the valley floor, just north of St. Helena, remains one of my favorite wineries of the region. Under the guidance of the winemaking consultant, Scotsman, Andy Smith, they continue to go from strength to strength. Tel. (707) 942-0167; Fax (707) 942-6934