Wine Advisor
Lokoya, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
More crushed stone, mulberry, black currant, lead pencil shavings and wet pebble-like notes emerge from the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. This beauty possesses great intensity, full-bodied power, low acidity and sweet tannin. It can be drunk now and over the next 12-15 years. Lokoya has long been one of the bright shining stars in the Kendall-Jackson Small Estates portfolio. The fact that all four of their 2011 Cabernets were among the best wines I tasted in this vintage reflects many things, among them, (1) the exceptional commitment to quality, (2) the brilliance of the vineyards and winemaker Christopher Carpenter, (3) these mountain vineyards were less affected by the challenging weather conditions of rain and fog in early and mid-October, and (4) the winemaking team had the patience to wait for perfect ripeness before harvesting these limited production cuvees. The production is even smaller than usual in 2011, ranging from 200 cases for the Diamond Mountain and Spring Mountain, 260 cases for the Howell Mountain and 840 cases for the prodigious Mt. Veeder. Tel. (707) 948-1968
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Lokoya's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is another striking wine from Chris Carpenter. Mocha, plums and cassis wrap around the palate in a gorgeous, inky Cabernet endowed with gorgeous textural depth and pure volume. Layers of flavor build in the glass in a rich, sumptuous wine endowed with superb depth. The fruit is so rich there is almost no sensation of mountain tannin, which is highly unusual for Howell Mountain, especially in 2011. A deep, plush finish laced with pencil shavings, graphite, plums and smoke leaves a lasting impression. I imagine the 2011 will enjoy a long and broad drinking window once the tannins start to soften.
About the Producer
Lokoya has long been one of leading wineries in the Kendall-Jackson Small Estates portfolio. Lokoya consistently produces some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons from four of Napa Valley's most renowned mountain appellations: Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain District, and Spring Mountain District. These single-vineyard wines, made in very limited quantities, are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented with native yeast, and bottled unfined and unfiltered — resulting in the purest expression of place. They are powerful wines that reflect the intense individuality of each mountain. Sparse soils, high elevations, good drainage and the cool climates of the mountains form the backbone for these intense Cabernet Sauvignons. The Lokoya name honours the Native American tribe who lived on Mount Veeder in the western mountains of the Napa Valley prior to the arrival of viticulture in the 19th century. Paying tribute to those who farmed the Napa soils before them, Lokoya Cabernet reflects the soils and microclimates of the Napa Valley.
