Lokoya Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley, California) - [JD 98] [JS 98] [WA 97+] [VM 96] [WS 95] [DM 95]

About the Winery:
Established in 1995, Lokoya is a collection of four distinct Cabernet Sauvignons from four of Napa Valley’s most celebrated mountain appellations: Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain and Diamond Mountain. These limited-production wines are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented with native yeast, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, resulting in the purest expression of place.

Given the high elevation of the sites, the vineyards demand constant attention. The deep understanding of the vineyard trajectory in each vintage comes from Winemaker Christopher Carpenter’s years of expertise. Intervention is kept to a minimum both in the vineyard and in the cellar, leaving the fruit to express itself as naturally and eloquently as possible.

About this Wine:
Diamond Mountain overlooks the town of Calistoga in the northern reaches of Napa Valley and is part of the Mayacamas Mountains which frame the western edge of the valley. Lokoya’s Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon was first crafted in 1995, and is sourced from a selection of blocks on three distinct vineyards: the estate-owned Rhyolite Ridge (1,200 feet) and Wallis vineyards (1,500 feet), as well as the Andrew Geoffrey vineyard (1,800 feet). Situated above the fog line, the vineyards experience cooler days and warmer nights with less temperature variation than on the northern valley floor. High elevation, poor soils and a moderate climate yield full-bodied wines that show rich black cherry flavor and notes of dark chocolate with relatively soft tannins.

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Coming from two estate vineyards consisting of pure volcanic soils, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District sports deep purple/ruby color to go with a brilliant, full-bodied, seamless wine that’s going to flirt with perfection at maturity. Blackcurrants, chocolate, loamy earth, tobacco, and violet notes define the bouquet, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a voluptuous, layered mouthfeel, ample tannins, and a great finish. This is another magical, mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate that needs a good 4-5 years of bottle age, if not more, and will cruise for decades in cold cellars." (1/27/2021)


97+  Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain was aged for 22 months in French oak, 93% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose explodes with profound cassis, black plums and blackberries scents backed up by suggestions of espresso, black olives and bay leaves. The concentrated, full-bodied palate is jam-packed by expressive black fruit preserves and savory layers, supported by a firm backbone of grainy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. 931 cases were made." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (14th Jan 2021)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain exudes power and density from the very first taste. Inky fruit, graphite, lavender, blackberry and spice are all beautifully delineated. Readers will find a Cabernet of depth and stature. The Diamond Mountain Cabernet doesn't quite have the heft of the Veeder or Howell Cabernets, but it has a sense of intrigue that is all its own. Vineyard sources are Wallis and Ryolite Ridge." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2021)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Jam-packed with bright and juicy cassis, plum preserves and raspberry reduction notes, this pumps along nicely, with sleek licorice and graphite notes adding support. Flashes of sweet bay leaf and violet skitter through, and there's serious coiled-up energy on the finish, so a little patience will be rewarded. Best from 2022 through 2038." - JM (Oct 31, 2021)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Year in and year out, Lokoya provides a masterclass in crafting rugged mountain fruit into a svelte package, while always letting its essence come through. Their Diamond Mountain release is wonderfully perfumed and exuberant on the nose, with aromas of lilacs, fresh herbs and orchard blossoms. It is opulent and forward but with considerable lift on the finish. The tannins are prominent and fine-grained, with an impressively long and evolving finish." - Matthew Luczy (15 Oct 2020)