Lokoya Cardinale tasting at Wine Watch

These are two of the crown jewels of the Jackson portfolio of wines that now is known as Majestic wines and these wines belong to the Spire portfolio within this group.  These are some of the top wines that are being made in California today, just a few short years ago these wines were around $100 per bottle, today they are priced at the current market value for top level wines from around the world with only 300-500 cases of the Lokoya wines and with just over 1000 cases of Cardinale, these wines can also be hard to find at any price.

We have been carrying both of these labels since their initial release and have tasted almost every release of both Cardinale and Lokoya.  The numbers do not lie, these are among the highest rated wines and thus the prices have soared but they can still be considered relative values if you look at the prices that they are getting in Bordeaux today for the first growths they are double or triple the price and they make a ton more wine, try like 30,000 cases when it comes to labels like Mouton Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild.

Join us as we experience some American first growths of Napa Valley and we take you through 8 wines from these two labels along with Spire Region Manager, Trey Christy who worked at the famous Burns Steakhouse and is now an Advanced Sommelier-CMS.  Trey will show us the new releases along with a few older wines to show you how these wines show with a few years in the cellar.  Wine Watch Catering's Toni Lampasone will be making a few small courses to accompany the tasting wines.  The fee for this event is $150 + tax, this is a seated tasting and is limited to only 15 tasters for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Lokoya/Cardinale Tasting at Wine WatchThursday, June 67pm

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain 2009 Price: $354.00    Sale $311.52       Case $3611

(94 Points) The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain (from Spring Mountain Vineyard) is a big, super-ripe wine laced with racy red cherries, rose petals, dried flowers and licorice. It possesses striking inner perfume and fabulous length. The tannins in particular are especially refined for this appellation. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2024.  Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2009   Price: $354.00    Sale $311.52       Case $3611

(93 Points)  The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder (from Veeder Peak) flows onto the palate with layers of dark, mineral-infused fruit. Graphite, cassis, blackberries, spices and new leather are some of the nuances that take shape in the glass. This is at once open and approachable, but also quite intense and mineral. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.    Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2009 Price: $354.00    Sale $311.52       Case $3611

(92 Points) The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (from Keyes Vineyard) is a big, broad shouldered wine loaded with black fruit, smoke and licorice. Chocolate, blackberries, cinnamon, licorice and spices are wrapped around the plush, muscular finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain 2007 Price: $255.00    Sale $224.40       Case $2601

 (95 points) The most limited production offering, the opaque purple-hued 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain displays classic, Bordeaux-like characteristics of cedarwood, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, licorice, and spice box along with a note of minerality all presented in an elegant, powerful, full-bodied style with sweet tannins. Representing elegance and terroir allied with considerable power and purity, this offering is made from a vineyard planted in the mid-1970s. While approachable, it will be even better in 5-6 years, and should still be going strong at age 25-30.

Jess Jackson, who has spawned some of California’s most talented winemakers, has Chris Carpenter behind the success of these wines. These current releases are the strongest efforts from Lokoya since their 1997s, 2001s, and 2002s. Production ranges from a low 200 cases for the Diamond Mountain, to over 1,000 cases for the highest rated cuvee, the Mount Veeder. All these wines have indigenous yeast fermentations, are aged approximately 21 months in new French oak, and are bottled with minimal clarification. They are made from what is essentially the best fruit from the remarkable array of vineyards owned by Jess Jackson. Wine Advocate # 186 Dec 2009

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2007 Price: $351.00    Sale $309.00       Case $3580

(97 points) Classic aromas of graphite, crushed rocks, boysenberries, black raspberries, blackberries, and subtle wood soar from the glass of the inky/purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Full-bodied and formidably endowed with awesome purity as well as a stunning, layered texture, this beauty has it all. Give it 5-6 years of bottle age and enjoy it over the next three decades. It is a prodigious Howell Mountain wine from Jess Jackson’s Keyes Vineyard.

Jess Jackson, who has spawned some of California’s most talented winemakers, has Chris Carpenter behind the success of these wines. These current releases are the strongest efforts from Lokoya since their 1997s, 2001s, and 2002s. Production ranges from a low 200 cases for the Diamond Mountain, to over 1,000 cases for the highest rated cuvee, the Mount Veeder. All these wines have indigenous yeast fermentations, are aged approximately 21 months in new French oak, and are bottled with minimal clarification. They are made from what is essentially the best fruit from the remarkable array of vineyards owned by Jess Jackson.  Wine Advocate # 186 Dec 2009

Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa 2003 Price: $195.00                    Sale $171.60 Quantity in Stock: 6

(96 Points) Notions of crushed rocks, white chocolate, black currants, plums, and flowers jump from the glass of the inky/purple-hued 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. With sweet tannin, massive body, and undeniable elegance as well as length, it should drink well for 15 or more years.

No matter who Lokoya’s winemaker may be, this estate continues to turn out some of Napa’s most interesting Cabernet Sauvignons. Christopher Carpenter, the current winemaker for this property in Jess Jackson’s Artisans and Estates portfolio, has succeeded admirably with the 2003s, which are almost as spectacular as the 2002s. They are all indigenous yeast fermented, 100% Cabernet Sauvignons aged 18 or more months in French oak. Production ranges from a maximum of 560 cases for the Mount Veeder, to 290 cases for the Howell Mountain. Wine Advocate #162, Dec 2005

Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa  2009  Price: $251.25    Sale $221.10       Case $2563

(93+ Points) The 2009 Cardinale is a gorgeous, beautifully balanced wine endowed with gorgeous textural finesse and depth. Dark red fruit, spices and mint are woven together beautifully in this supple, engaging wine. Bright floral notes add lift, freshness and vibrancy on the finish. There is enough finesse to make the 2009 approachable early, but also enough richness to suggest the wine will drink early for a number of years. Winemaker Chris Carpenter creates the blend from a number of vineyards, including Veeder Peak, La Jota, Spring Mountain, Andrew-Geoffrey and Clem Cardinalli. In 2009 the final blend is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, predominantly from hillside sites, aged in 100% new French oak barrels. This is a remarkable level of quality considering the 1,300-case production. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.   Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011

Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2007   Price: $207.00    Sale $182.16       Case $2111

(94 Points) The impressive 2007 exhibits an opaque purple color as well as abundant aromas of sweet red and black currants, kirsch, spice box, licorice, and toasty new oak. Full-bodied, big, structured, and layered, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter has again turned out a wine that should evolve for 25 years. Impressive!

One of the titans of Jess Jackson’s empire, this cross-regional blend (from vineyards on Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, and the Oakville Corridor) spent 21 months in 100% new French oak.  Wine Advocate #186, Dec 2009

Menu

Selection of cheese:  Beemster Gouda, Reggianno Parmesan, Hard Cheddar

Beef Carpaccio with roasted wild mushroom aioli and fresh basil

Cabernet Sauvignon Braised beef short rib with cheddar cheese au gratin potatoes and spinach souffle

The fee for this event is $150 + tax, this is a seated tasting and is limited to only 15 tasters for reservations call 954-523-9463.