Winemaker Notes
When uplifting tectonic plates created the Mayacamas Range, they left Howell Mountain in a unique position in Napa Valley. On this eastern side of the valley, one would expect to see the scrub oak and grassland found elsewhere. But the north-flowing air mass that moves across this spot makes Howell Mountain the coldest and wettest appellation in Napa. Thus, the ponderosa pine and redwoods that dot the mountain help define it. Blackberry, minerality, and dark chocolate define the 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from the spectacular Keyes Vineyard, our source on Howell Mountain for Lokoya.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain offers up pronounced notes of baked cherries, blackberry preserves and warm cassis with touches of espresso, mincemeat pie and tree bark plus a waft of dried herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with Indian spices, fragrant herbs and warm black fruits with a chewy frame and earthy kick to the finish. 195 cases were made.
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.