Winemaker Notes
Diamond Mountain overlooks the town of Calistoga in the northern reaches of Napa Valley and is part of the Mayacamas Mountains which frame the western edge of the valley. Lokoya’s Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon was first crafted in 1995, and is sourced from a selection of blocks on three distinct vineyards: the estate-owned Rhyolite Ridge (1,200 feet) and Wallis vineyards (1,500 feet), as well as the Andrew Geoffrey vineyard (1,800 feet). Situated above the fog line, the vineyards experience cooler days and warmer nights with less temperature variation than on the northern valley floor. High elevation, poor soils and a moderate climate yield full-bodied wines that show rich black cherry flavor and notes of dark chocolate with relatively soft tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Makes a potent statement, with its layers of concentrated currant and black cherry fruit. The shadings of cedary, toasty, mocha oak add dimension and depth. The finish is impressive for its length and complex nuances.
Barrel Sample: 92-95
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From the Reverie Vineyard, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain (475 cases produced) displays a dense purple color (that has not changed since I tasted it eight years ago) along with wonderful notes of graphite, burning embers, charcoal and sweet cassis as well as licorice. Full-bodied with excellent fruit purity, it is the most evolved and fragrant of these three wines.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.