Lokoya Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 750ml

Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, California

Notes from the Winemaker

In 1868, Jacob Schram planted the first small vineyard on the slopes of one of the northernmost mountains in Napa Valley. The predominantly volcanic soils had bits of obsidian and rhyolite glass intertwined with the general loam, and thus the area became known as Diamond Mountain. This AVA is a bit warmer than other mountains, and one of the first to shed the daily fog. Lokoya celebrates this terroir through a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offering that in 2019 shows a burst of boysenberry, spearmint, and espresso bean, with high-note minerality and rounded yet firm tannins.

Reviews and Accolades

97 Points/Jeb Dunnuck
A combination from two sites, the 2019 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is another elegant, yet concentrated, structured, and expansive Cabernet from Chris that shines on all accounts. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, graphite, scorched earth, and some floral notes all define the nose, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with terrific purity, building, ripe tannins, bright acidity, and an undeniable sense of minerality on the finish. This rich, concentrated, structured 2019 warrants 5-6 years of bottle age and will be incredibly long lived.
Rating: 97+

96 Points/Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is a blend of two parcels: Wallis and Rhyolite Ridge, with mainly volcanic soils. Scents of crushed stone, pencil shavings, cassis and cherries lead the way, while the palate is full-bodied but not overly ripe or broad, just finely honed, polished, silky and long, with a dusting of fine-grained tannins on the finish.

95 Points/Wine Specator
Rumbles along with dark plum, black currant and blackberry reduction notes carried by a slightly chunky structure, with tar, dark tobacco and sweet bay leaf supporting the finish. Youthfully rugged and begging for some cellaring, but everything is there. Best from 2024 through 2038.