2002 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
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Tasting notes
The stunning 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is more of a long distance runner. It boasts a dense purple color along with copious notes of graphite, plum sauce, blueberries, black raspberries, wet steel and damp gravel. Deep, full-bodied and powerful, it is quite compelling in its purity, texture and awesome potential. Forget it for another 3-5 years and drink it over the following three decades. Chris Carpenter, who has long worked for the Jackson family, continues to fashion some of the most profound wines of Napa Valley. The Diamond Mountain cuvee comes from the Reverdy Vineyard, the Howell Mountain offering comes from the Keyes Vineyard owned by the Jacksons, and their own Veeder Peak Vineyard is the source for Lokoya’s Mt. Veeder cuvee. All three are 500-case lots made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled unfined and unfiltered, and are meant to last 25-30 years. Nearly every vintage produced to date has been spectacular, with the highlights for me being the 1997s, 2001s and these 2002s. Tel. (707) 948-1968; Fax (707) 944-2824
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full ruby. Highly aromatic nose of blackberry, black cherry, leather and spices, with complicating mineral, herbal and earth notes. At once creamy and juicy on the palate, with black fruit, mint and earth flavors. Still a bit youthfully brutal on the end, finishing with building tannins.
Full ruby. Cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate on the nose. Dense, fat and broad but uncompromisingly dry, with flavors of currant, leather, licorice and tobacco. Finishes strong and long, with serious but ripe tannins. Highly promising.