2019 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder
Bathed in sunlight on the western ridges of the Mayacamas Mountains at the northern end of the Mount Veeder appellation, the Veeder Peak estate vineyard sits at 1,800 feet in elevation. Since 1995, Lokoya has produced a Cabernet Sauvignon from a selection of blocks situated on the steep, mountainous terrain. Struggling in this volcanic soil forces the vines to seek out nutrients and in turn produce berries with intensely concentrated fruit. The wines display defining characteristics of violets and blue fruit with powerful tannins and exceptional aging potential.
Lokoya Winery is a true jewel of the Napa Valley, and the benchmark producer of "mountain wines" in our book. From four mountain appellations they craft exquisite Cabernet Sauvignons, and to say that they are critically acclaimed is an understatement. The Wine Advocate has awarded the Lokoya Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon no less than FIVE 100-point scores, a feat surpassed only by Schrader Winery. The wines are made by Napa Valley Superman Chris Carpenter, who can do no wrong, especially in 2014. "One of the top-of-the-charts, special, rare superstars of the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wine scene is Lokoya. It's hard to believe that 2000 was the first vintage for winemaker Chris Carpenter working at Lokoya. He has had a succession of world-class, truly magnificent wines from different mountain sites in Napa." – Robert M. Parker, Jr. A 99-Point score is a curious thing, a 99+ even curiouser. It's another way for a reviewer to say, "I gave this 100 points last year." One thing's for certain: these are some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines made in the Napa Valley, and they belong in your cave.
Jeb Dunnuck
Another riveting wine, the 2019 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon has a Château Latour-like stature and regalness, with full-bodied richness and incredible concentration, as well as structure, on the palate. Cassis, blueberry liqueur, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and graphite notes all define the nose, and it hits the palate with incredible power and opulence, yet stays pure, flawlessly balanced, and has a finish that won't quit. This is as brilliant as Cabernet gets, and Carpenter is clearly playing with the best in the business. Give bottles 4-5 years if you can and it will cruise for 30-40 years.
James Suckling
Blackcurrant and graphite in a big way in the nose. Some asphalt and sweet tobacco, too. Full-bodied with a dense, velvety texture. Shows suppleness for such a big wine, with luxurious sensibility. Such fabulous length. Almost drinkable now, but four or five years of bottle age will bring this into its own.