2018 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The 2018 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a powerful, small‑production expression of Napa Valley’s famed mountain terroir, crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 22 months in predominantly new French oak, this is a collector’s wine built for decades of evolution, with only 1,001 bottles produced. Combining intense concentration with sculpted structure, it captures the wild, high‑elevation character that has made Howell Mountain one of Napa’s most coveted appellations for Cabernet.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Lokoya Howell Mountain shows a deep, opaque garnet-purple hue, signaling both youth and intensity. The nose is layered and complex, opening with warm cassis, black cherries, mulberries and plum preserves, then unfurling nuances of dark chocolate, crushed rock, forest bark and a subtle, savory hint of truffle. On the palate, this is full-bodied, dense and tightly wound, with a core of dark, black-fruited flavors framed by earthy and spicy undertones. Super-firm, robust tannins wrap around the rich fruit, while a lively line of acidity keeps the wine vibrant and focused. The finish is long, coiled and energetic, suggesting significant aging potential. Given its structure and depth, this 2018 is best with at least 5 years of bottle age and will reward patient cellaring for 20–30+ years.

Production
Sourced from Lokoya’s Howell Mountain vineyard at elevations above 2,100 feet, this Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from cooler temperatures, rocky, well-drained mountain soils and constant Pacific breezes that slow ripening and intensify flavor. The high-altitude terroir produces small, thick-skinned berries with concentrated fruit, naturally high acidity and firm tannins. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve purity and structure, then vinified as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, of which 95–97% are new, enhancing texture and layering in notes of spice and chocolate while allowing the mountain character to remain at the forefront.

Food & Serving
This is a commanding, cellar-worthy Cabernet that shines alongside richly flavored, protein-driven dishes: think dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, venison, short ribs or slow-braised beef. Earthy accompaniments such as wild mushrooms, truffle-infused dishes and roasted root vegetables also echo the wine’s dark, foresty nuances. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal balance and expression. If opened young (within its first 10 years), decant for 2–3 hours to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatics to fully emerge; with extended bottle age, a gentle 1-hour decant is typically sufficient.

Producer
Lokoya, founded in the mid-1990s, has become one of Napa Valley’s benchmark producers for single-vineyard, mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Dedicated exclusively to Cabernet, Lokoya focuses on four key mountain appellations—Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain and Diamond Mountain—showcasing the distinct personalities of each site. The Howell Mountain bottling is one of the most sought-after wines in the range, recognized for its power, longevity and mineral-driven complexity. Over the years, Lokoya has garnered critical acclaim and high scores from leading wine publications, reinforcing its status as a top-tier, collectible Napa estate and a reference point for serious mountain Cabernet.

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