Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California) - [JS 98] [VM 97] [WA 96+] [WS 96] [DM 96] [JD 94+]

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:
At the northeastern side of Napa Valley’s Vaca Range, the Howell Mountain appellation peaks at 2,500 feet. Our estate W.S. Keyes Vineyard was planted in 1888, and has been the exclusive source for the Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon since its first vintage in 1995. The vineyard sits at 1,825 feet, high above the fog line, where temperatures are cool but moderate, and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular thrives with extra time to ripen. The vines bask in a steady breeze and sunlight, surrounded by a forest of ponderosa pine. Lean, quick-draining soils force the vines to struggle, yielding small grapes that possess deep, concentrated flavor with a signature minerality and earthy undertone.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a wine of tremendous power and gravitas. Inky dark fruit, graphite, cured meat and smoke all meld together in a virile, imposing wine loaded with character. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years, as it is quite the powerhouse. Swaths of imposing Howell Mountain tannins wrap around the palate. Even so, the 2018 has more than enough volume and resonance to balance things out." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2021)

96+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain was aged in French oak barrels for 22 months, 97% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notes of warm cassis, black cherries, mulberries and plum preserves plus hints of dark chocolate, crushed rock and tree bark with a waft of truffles. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with earthy/savory black fruit layers and super firm, rugged tannins, delivering a tightly wound, lively finish. Give it a good 5 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20+ years. 1,001 cases were made." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (14th Jan 2021)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This really packs in some serious plum paste, cassis and black cherry pâte de fruit notes, all wrapped in brambly grip and laced with mouthwatering anise and iron notes. There's a tarry underpinning on the finish, with a deftly inlaid roasted apple wood note. Nicely set up for the cellar. Best from 2023 through 2038. 1,000 cases made." - JM (Oct 31, 2021)

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A luxurious, decadent and refined nose. Where many mountain-Cabernets may be sharp and rugged in their youth, the Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet is remarkably integrated right out of the gate. The texture bounces between polished and rustic, punchy and ethereal. Will age effortlessly for at least three decades. A powerhouse that doesn’t lose sight of the shore." - Matthew Luczy (15 Oct 2020)

94+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Blackberry, blueberry, pine cone and pine needle with some mushroom. So complex. Full bodied with incredible depth and length. Layered. Super balance and strength, yet formed and not overdone. Harmony for Howell. Try in 2026." (1/27/2021)