In 1851, Charles Hitchcock, an army surgeon, moved from North Carolina to San Francisco with his wife Martha and their spirited daughter Lillie. Lillie immediately took to the city, describing it as full of “all fire and action”. This proved prophetic as she was later dramatically rescued from a fire by the Knickerbocker No. 5 Fire Company. Through this experience she became a lifelong and passionate supporter of the San Francisco fire department and even paid homage to her heroes by signing her name with the number ‘5’ after it for the rest of her life. They made her an honorary member – the only woman in America – which earned her the nickname ‘Firebelle Lil’.

In the eyes of her family, Lillie’s behavior ranged from improper to scandalous, so she was sent to live in their Napa Valley country estate “to learn to quiet down.” She named her new home Larkmead after the meadowlarks in the area.  Her landscaping was also quite notable; in addition to planting the three palms for which the famous vineyard would one day be named, she cultivated a good-sized vineyard that included Zinfandel and Riesling among its vines. This project connected her to many of the local winegrowers of the day, including Schram, Tubbs, Krug, and Beringer.

The Firebelle, like its namesake Lillie “Firebelle Lil” Hitchcock, is both incredibly powerful and expressive yet pleasingly feminine and elegant on the approach. On the palate, the wine lifts and coats all of the corners of your mouth with incredibly supple tannins that make the wine linger long after it is gone.

Larkmead is now under the stewardship of proprietors Cam and Kate Solari Baker.  Cam and Kate Solari Baker have been the dynamic force behind Larkmead’s transformation from a historic vineyard into a world-renowned wine estate. During the first 10 years of their ownership, they directed a complete replanting of the property, tailoring the selection of varieties, clones, and rootstock to suit the special characteristics of each individual block.

TASTING NOTES
The perfume of rose petals, red fruit, cranberries, and cinnamon jump out of the glass in this beautifully aromatic wine. The bright warm spices are balanced by earthier notes of pine forest, cedar, and tobacco.
The Firebelle, like its namesake Lillie “Firebelle Lil” Hitchcock, is both incredibly powerful and expressive yet pleasingly feminine and elegant on the approach. On the palate, the wine lifts and coats all of the corners of your mouth with incredibly supple tannins that make the wine linger long after it is gone.

DRINKING WINDOW
This wine is incredibly fragrant, a signature of the warm yet moderate growing season. The winter rains
replenished our vines and allowed the Merlot to stride through the growing season without missing a step. This vintage is great year for Merlot in general, offering gorgeous aromatic complexity and elegance. The 2019 Firebelle is ready to drink now but would be best from 2025-2035. If enjoying now, please decant for one hour upon opening. Drink now and for the next 5-10+ years.

S O I L P R O F I L E : PLEASANTON LOAM (CLAY)
ALCOHOL: 14.3%
FRENCH OAK AGING: 18 MONTHS, 67% NEW TONNELLERIE BOSSUET