1997 Lokoya Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Founded in 1995, Lokoya is another relatively new Napa Valley winery dedicated to the idea of making highly-limited production, prestigious Cabernet Sauvignons. Lokoya owns several vineyards in Napa Valley and also purchases grapes to make single-vineyard or single-appellation wines. The Cabernet Sauvignons produced by Lokoya are generally admired by reviewers and are usually available only by mailing list. The winery’s vineyards are in Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain and Spring Mountain. Most of the acreage is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, though small amounts of Chardonnay and Merlot also are grown. Annual production is about 2,200 cases.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.