Proudly named for his young son, Jack Larkin is the latest offspring from local Bon Vivant and bona fide Napa Valley Cabernet Franc  producer Sean Larkin.

The fifth release of Jack Larkin is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced solely from the rugged earth of Pritchard Hill's Melanson Vineyard. Meticulously farmed by John Arns, this vineyard is set along a boulder-strewn hillside with distinct southern and western exposures nearly 1200 feet above the valley floor. The third release of Jack Larkin Merlot is from a tiny, low-yielding family vineyard just north of the town of Napa.

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2008 Jack Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - 94 Points
From vines planted high on Pritchard Hill, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dense purple color, beautiful black raspberry, blueberry and floral notes, a sweet, full-bodied mouthfeel, ripe tannin, a layered, multidimensional palate and a long, smooth finish. Drink this beauty over the next 15-20 years.

While not to be confused with Sean Larkin’s wines simply called “Larkin,” the Jack Larkin offerings (named for Sean’s son) are also excellent efforts.

Robert M. Parker

2008 Jack Larkin Merlot Napa Valley - 91 Points
Larkin has turned out a 2008 Merlot that makes a mockery of some of the comments made in the movie "Sideways." Wonderfully complex notes of mocha, chocolate fudge, black cherry liqueur, forest floor and espresso jump from the glass of this full-bodied, sumptuously textured, fleshy, crowd-pleasing Merlot. With power, richness and a hedonistic as well as intellectual appeal, it should be enjoyed over the next decade.

Robert M. Parker

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2007 Jack Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - 93 Points
The dense purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, from a source on Pritchard Hill, exhibits Cabernet Sauvignon’s blue and blackberry, floral character along with subtle notions of smoke, crushed rocks, and lots of minerality presented in a full-bodied, intense style. Approachable now, it should evolve for two decades.

Robert M. Parker

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2006 Jack Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - 91 Points
From Napa’s Pritchard Hill area, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and acacia flowers, good purity, and a nicely textured, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. It should drink well for 15 years.

Robert M. Parker

2006 Jack Larkin Merlot Napa Valley - 91 Points
The son of the abovementioned Sean Larkin, Jack Larkin’s 2006 Merlot is a very good example of this varietal with its chocolaty, mocha, blackberry, and cherry notes, soft tannins, and layered, plump, sumptuous mouthfeel. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years.

Robert M. Parker

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2005 Jack Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - 92 Points
"From a vineyard overlooking Lake Hennessy on Pritchard Hill, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a black/ruby/purple color as well as sweet aromas of charcoal, acacia flowers, blue and blackberries, and subtle smoky oak. With full body, beautiful purity and density, and a long finish revealing well-concealed tannin, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for two decades"

2005 Jack Larkin Merlot Napa Valley - 93 Points
"From the Switchback Ridge Vineyard, the blockbuster, hedonistic 2005 Merlot boasts huge notes of chocolate fudge, espresso roast, blackberries, sweet jammy cherries, and toasty oak along with oodles of fruit and glycerin. Neither shy nor wimpy, it can be enjoyed over the next decade."