So you did it. You closed on the house. The big one one with the marble floor that makes you nervous in socks.
The realtor shook your hand too long. The paperwork made your wrist hurt. Now you’re savoring the moment, no furniture, no art on the walls, just you and a wine refrigerator that came with the deed.
Open it. There, on the middle shelf, next to a bottle of sparkling water you didn’t buy: a bottle of Larkmead Firebelle. Pull it out. Don’t overthink it. 
Pour it into a Zalto if you unpacked one. Or drink it from the bottle. Sit on the floor, you paid for it.
It starts dark… figs, black cherry, something charred, like the smell of your grandfather’s study. Then it opens. Widens. You think you’ve got it, and it slips. Delicious.
You don’t need a reason to drink this. So pour heavy and often. You can afford it now.
The Wine You Should Be Drinking:
$100
About the Winemaker:
Founded in 1895, Larkmead is one of Napa Valley’s oldest family-owned wineries, sitting on 115 acres in Calistoga between two mountain ranges. The Solari family bought it in 1948; Larry was an Italian immigrant who helped build California’s wine industry while his wife Polly ran the books and the vines. Their daughter Kate and her late husband Cam took over in 1993, and today it’s fourth-generation family stewardship. The estate went fully organic and earned CCOF certification in 2023 after years of farming that way. They make Cabernet-focused wines that have earned over 140 scores of 95+ points, including two perfect 100s.
More wines you should be drinking:
You Should Be Drinking: Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay
You Should Be Drinking: Baldacci Carneros Chardonnay
Love all Larkmead wines, have not tried the 22 Firebelle yet, will put it on the list!
Let me take a second job so I can afford both the house and the wine. haha, sounds delicious!