Lokoya is a masterclass in mountain Cabernet, founded by the visionary minds of Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke. Nestled within the majestic embrace of Napa Valley's esteemed mountain vineyards, Lokoya illuminates select vineyards from Napa Valley's most prestigious mountain appellations. Over the years, Lokoya has earned its place among the top producers of mountain Cabernet, consistently achieving 100-point scores. Industry heavyweight Robert Parker pronounced Lokoya wines as “consistently among the greatest Cabernet Sauvignons made.” Randy Dunn laid the foundation for Mountain Cabernet's success, but Lokoya has emerged as the benchmark, amassing an impressive fourteen 100-point ratings. Lokoya's wines, a symphony of longevity, become precious relics when stored under ideal conditions, making them a prized addition to any wine cellar.
Behind Lokoya's Wines
Established in 1995, Lokoya crafts four terroir-specific wines: Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Mount Veeder. Robert Parker hails Lokoya as "one of the superstars of Napa" and the "crown jewels of the Kendall-Jackson empire." Lokoya's roots trace back to another Napa icon, Cardinale. During the late '80s and early '90s, as the Kendall-Jackson empire expanded, these single vineyards were blended to create Cardinale's flagship wine. However, the discovery of exceptional single vineyard lots by Cardinale's winemaking team led to the idea of creating a high-end terroir-specific Napa Cabernet – thus, Lokoya was born.
The mastermind behind Lokoya's exceptional wines is Chris Carpenter, a prominent winemaker who has been at the helm since 2001. Over the years, Chris has evolved from college football player to enologist to viticulturalist to winemaker of one of Napa's leading estates. With over two decades of experience, Carpenter crafts powerful, age-worthy wines. Lokoya's mountain Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a remarkable blend of abundant fruit and distinct minerality. The wines seamlessly integrate with new oak, aged over the course of 18 to 22 months in 100% new oak barrels, and are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Above the Fog Line
Diamond Mountain is sourced from four vineyards—Rhyolite Ridge, Wallis Vineyard, Andrew Geoffrey, and Reverie Vineyard—elevated between 1,200 to 1,800 feet. Howell Mountain originates from the legendary WS Keyes vineyard, dating back to the 1880s. Spring Mountain is sourced from three vineyards—the old Yverdon property at 2,100 feet, Wurtele Vineyard at 1,000 feet, and Spring Mountain Vineyard at 1,800 feet. The pinnacle of their offerings, Mount Veeder, is born from William Hill Vineyard, perched 1,800 feet above sea level. These vineyards are unique in their position above Napa Valley's fog line, providing natural frost protection and ample sunshine, resulting in some of Napa Valley's longest-lived Cabernets.
Premier Mountain Cabernet
Lokoya stands as the epitome of Napa Valley's mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the renowned terroirs of four distinct AVAs. Their exceptional track record under Chris Carpenter's guidance, marked by fourteen 100-point scores, is a testament to their wine's outstanding quality. These long-lived mountain Cabernets are cherished by Napa Valley's most devoted collectors and connoisseurs. If you're part of this dedicated following, acquiring these coveted wines is a must to complete your prized collection. If your wine cellar lacks a revered assortment of mountain Cabernet, there's no better time than now to make it whole.
Written by: Craig Headdling
