Lokoya Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain comes from several parcels, most notably the Wallis vineyard. The wine has an opaque, black-as-a-moonless-night color and an incredible nose of volcanic ash and charcoal interwoven with creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, grilled meats and almost a beef blood-like component from a grilled steak. The wine has fabulous body and tremendous opulence that nearly hides its significant tannin and structure. This is an enormously endowed, rich wine that probably has 30-40 years of upside potential. Rating: 96+

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain emerges from two parcels on the southern reaches of the appellation. Iron, smoke, graphite, cured meat and melted road tar are some of the many notes that inform this deep, savory Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense and linear in the glass, the 2013 is going to need time to soften, but it is super-impressive, even today. (AG) (10/2015)

Black minerality and liquorice distinguish this heady, tannic wine, though it’s remarkably composed, with pure wild blackberry, crunchy acidity and layers of complexity.