2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain
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Tasting notes
Ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, violet and menthol. Silky on entry, then dry and classic in the middle, with kirsch and dark berry flavors lifted by violet and licorice. Really spreads out and builds on the back. Powerful without being brawny or unrefined, this very young cabernet avoids the hard tannins that characterize so many Spring Mountain reds.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The dense purple-colored, perfumed 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain offers compelling aromas of violets (or is it acacia flowers?). Full-bodied with great elegance and precision as well as dense, concentrated, powerful fruit, this intense Cabernet will age gracefully for two decades or more. One of the stars in Jess Jackson's Artisans and Estates portfolio, Lokoya focuses on high elevation mountain vineyards in four separate Napa appellations. Winemaker Chris Carpenter has been the force behind these wines for many years. Production levels were very low in 2008 with the exception of the Mt. Veeder (approximately 700 cases). The magnificent 2007 remains the vintage of reference for Lokoya along with 1997, 2001 and 2002. However, 2008 is a strong vintage although the spring frosts dramatically curtailed quantity. Speaking of the 2007s, which I reviewed from bottle last year, the scores they merited were: 2007 Diamond Mountain (95), 2007 Howell Mountain (97), 2007 Mt. Veeder (99) and 2007 Spring Mountain (95+). Tel. (866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707