United States · California

Larkmead

Larkmead Vineyards is one of Napa Valley's oldest continuously operating wine estates, with roots going back to 1895 on the valley floor north of St. Helena in Calistoga. The estate covers approximately 110 acres in the Napa Valley AVA, with a winemaking history that includes a period of operation under Prohibition as a distillery. Current ownership by the Baker family has focused on premium Cabernet Sauvignon, led by the Solari Reserve — the estate's top offering — and the single-clone Kate's Blend Block A2 Clone 15, LMV Salon (a field blend), and Firebelle (Merlot-dominant). At auction, 116 lots average $109 per bottle, with the Solari Reserve and LMV Salon driving the upper end at $150–$300. The Napa Valley floor location gives Larkmead a distinctive terroir: deep alluvial soils with moderately warm temperatures produce Cabernet Sauvignon of considerable volume and generosity, though lighter in structure than Howell Mountain or Atlas Peak hillside wines. Critical reception has been strong: the Solari Reserve regularly earns 93–96 points from Wine Advocate and Vinous. The estate's modest auction presence relative to its quality and history reflects limited production — approximately 8,000 cases across all labels — and a primarily mailing-list distribution model that limits open-market availability.