The 2004 Salon is a proprietary blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot and 3% Malbec. It possesses a youthful dense purple color along with an explosive nose of spring flowers, black raspberries and black currants, a touch of graphite, but no evidence of oak. The wine boasts extraordinary opulence and complexity, multiple dimensions, endless depth and richness, and perfect balance. This compelling 2004 is one of the superstars of the vintage. Approachable now, it should age for 20-30+ years, possibly as long as 50 years. Cam Baker, one of Northern Napa Valley’s iconic figures, administers this extraordinary terroir that was historically famous in the 1800s, but seemingly forgotten after Prohibition was repealed. However, over the last two decades, some remarkable cuvees have emanated from Larkmead. For my tastes, these wines are always dead ringers for great Pauillacs. Tel. (707) 942-0167; Fax (707) 942-6934

A limited production cuvee, the 2004 LMV Salon is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 11% Merlot. Its dense purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of sweet black fruits intermixed with smoke, licorice, roasted herbs, espresso, and white chocolate. This deep, chewy red has the softness of its siblings, but lasts even longer in the mouth. It can either be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years. 2004 and 2005 could not be more different, with the 2004s flashy, flamboyant, and opulent, even voluptuous, and the 2005s linear, restrained, and more discrete, with slightly more austere tannins.Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari Reserve (94), 2003 Firebelle (92), 2003 LMV Salon (90).Tel. (707) 942-0167; Fax (707) 942-6934