Palate
The musculature, natural beauty and somewhat untamed nature of thoroughbred horses attract millions to the sport of kings because that raw vitality is undeniable to our basic nature. Lokoya Howell Mountain, like the thoroughbred, has an undeniable attraction as the rich blackberry, forest aromatics and tamed but not quite tamed tannins provide us with a taste of the wild that we can’t help but revel in.
Growing Conditions
At the northeastern side of Napa Valley’s Vaca Range, the Howell Mountain appellation peaks at 2,500 feet. Our estate W.S. Keyes Vineyard was planted in 1888, and has been the exclusive source for the Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon since its first vintage in 1995. The vineyard sits at 1,825 feet, high above the fog line, where temperatures are cool but moderate, and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular thrives with extra time to ripen. The vines bask in a steady breeze and sunlight, surrounded by a forest of ponderosa pine. Lean, quick-draining soils force the vines to struggle, yielding small grapes that possess deep, concentrated flavor with a signature minerality and earthy undertone.
Harvest
hand-harvested, low yields of 2 tons per acre.
Bottling
bottled unfined and unfiltered
Aging
19 months in 99% new French oak