Lively aromas of damp spearmint, eucalyptus leaf and loamy soil give tremendous depth to
the refreshing cherry sorbet core on the nose of this bottling. A fiery acidity powers the
peppery flavors of the pallet, where brilliant red fruit and zesty mint-like sensations
converge.

This is a very intense and excellent bottling, an exemplary example of Greg Brewer's unique
style. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, thyme and bay leaf pop on the nose. The palate is
vibrant in energy and wrapped in sappy tannins that frame berry, sansho pepper and
eucalyptus leaf flavors that are refreshing and thirst-quenching.

Planted in 1982, Upper Barn is, in my opinion, one of the most distinctive Chardonnay sites in Sonoma. It’s a vineyard that naturally leans into an expressive herbal character, delivering a wine that’s unapologetically itself. The 2022 opens with a very aromatic profile: wild chamomile, lemongrass, citrus oils, and a savoury thread of mountain herbs. The palate is rich yet layered, with a nutty note reminiscent of Spanish turrón and a lift of orange water, accompanied by a gentle phenolic grip. The texture is silky with a finish that is long and lifted.

“The model here is La Jota,” says winemaker Chris Carpenter, “an approachable mountain
wine for restaurants, made from Cabernet Sauvignon—but from Mount Veeder instead of
Howell Mountain.” And that’s exactly what this wine delivers. It’s the right bottle for a
steakhouse or a night at home with your best salted, dry-aged ribeye or New York strip. It
opens with a rush of youthful, ripe black and blue fruit, layered with classic notes of
graphite and pressed wildflowers. But just as the juicy fruit washes across the palate, the
tannins rise—sooner than expected—and they soar. Not as lofty or intense as the Lokoya
wines, but still powerful and refined. There's plenty of room to enjoy this in its youth with a
good decant, and it offers more immediate pleasure than in some other vintages, thanks to
the warmth of the season and the generosity of the tannins. A great Cabernet that will age
gracefully for decades, but doesn’t require a long wait to deliver a thrilling experience.

Winemaker Chris Carpenter explains that La Jota’s wines tend to offer more generous,
approachable tannins—making them ideal for restaurant lists. That accessibility, he notes,
comes down to thoughtful decisions around clone, rootstock, and site selection. Some
vineyard blocks naturally yield softer, more inviting tannins, as opposed to dense, palateetching structures. He seeks Cabernet Sauvignon expressions that are powerful and
present, yet have a gentler texture. This blend was aged for 22 months in 77% new French
oak. The 2022 is exceptionally approachable, with generous, plump, velvety tannins that
still carry mountain intensity, but are beautifully integrated. The wine boasts a vibrant core
of juicy mulberry fruit, perfumed with notes of thyme, rosemary, and sage. It finishes with a
precise ironstone minerality and a subtle saline edge, reminiscent of pink Himalayan salt.

Since 1995, Lokoya has produced Cabernet Sauvignon from its Veeder Peak Estate, located at 548 meters on the rugged western ridges of the Mayacamas Mountains. In 2022, this wine is a true shape-shifter. Its effusive floral aromatics and rich red fruit might lead you to believe it's a graceful, delicate wine—and in many ways, it is. But beneath the surface lies formidable power. Soaring, iron-laced tannins build slowly and then grip the palate in all directions. They’re multidimensional, intense, and demand a proper decant. Once they begin to resolve, the wine’s lifted florality reemerges, joined by chalky minerality and wild herbal nuances. It's a wine of tension and elegance—complete, compelling, and deeply expressive despite the challenges of the 2022 vintage. Hats off to Chris Carpenter and the team for crafting something so refined and resonant under pressure. Lokoya, owned by the Jackson Family, is dedicated exclusively to single-appellation, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines from four Napa Valley mountain AVAs: Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Spring Mountain. The winemaking is consistent across all four wines— native yeast fermentation, hand pump-overs, malolactic fermentation in barrel, and 22 months of ageing in 85% new French oak. What sets these wines apart isn’t technique, but terroir. Carpenter notes that Napa Valley Cabernet is defined not just by soil, but by the rhythm of Pacific breezes that cool the region—moving south to north in the evenings, and north to south in the mornings. Above the fog line, the mountains experience more moderated diurnal shifts, allowing fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. It’s this rare equilibrium of sun, soil, and wind that gives Lokoya’s mountain Cabernets their unmistakable identity— and in the case of the 2022 Mount Veeder, a thrilling duality of grace and grip.

Sourced entirely from the estate-owned W.S. Keyes Vineyard at 556 metres elevation, the
2022 Howell Mountain Cabernet is a bold yet strikingly composed wine. Winemaker Chris
Carpenter notes that Howell Mountain is the warmest of Napa’s mountain AVAs, where
tannins are typically softer, pH levels slightly higher, and the acidity more savoury. This fullbodied Cabernet brims with black and blue fruit, underpinned by powerful Howell
Mountain tannins that show a decidedly chocolaty edge in this vintage. Framed by paprika,
coriander, and bright brown and red spices, the wine remains brooding and densely
structured, yet more approachable than in more rigid, tannic years. It's full-throttle, but
finely tuned—like a sports car flying smoothly along the motorway at top speed. It’ll make
you feel like a million bucks. Honestly. Lokoya, owned by the Jackson Family, is dedicated
to single-appellation, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from four mountain AVAs: Diamond
Mountain, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Mount Veeder. Winemaking is
consistent across sites—native yeast fermentation, hand pump-overs, malolactic
fermentation in barrel, and 22 months of ageing in 89% new French oak. What
distinguishes each wine is terroir. Carpenter points to the cooling Pacific breezes and
gentler diurnal shifts above the fog line as key elements in shaping these mountain-grown
Cabernets. At altitude, balance comes naturally. Sun, soil, and wind conspire to create
wines of depth, grace, and unmistakable place.

In the 2022 vintage, the Lokoya Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon may be one of the
most immediately approachable wines in the portfolio. Its up-valley location brings
warmth, which softens the tannins and makes this wine especially enjoyable right now. For
collectors, 2022 is a gift from the heavens—a vintage with upfront appeal and generosity,
without sacrificing depth. While Lokoya Cabernets always benefit from a good decant, in
2022, the tannins don’t soar into the stratosphere. Instead, they hover—like the vineyard
itself—at the peak elevation of Napa’s mountain fruit, around 2,600 feet. The result is a
wine that’s accessible now, especially when paired with well-salted braised meats. A
medley of bright herbal tones mingles with blackberry, black cherry, and mulberry, while
the tannins carry a chocolatey edge. Beneath it all, a persistent mineral thread of ironstone
and wet river rock grounds the wine. It’s fresh, inviting, and powerful—built to cellar for
decades despite the vintage’s warmth. The structure is sound. This wine is sourced
primarily from two sites: the 6.4-hectare Wallis Vineyard and the 7.2-hectare Rhyolite
Ridge, both rooted in volcanic soils that define Diamond Mountain’s rugged, rocky terrain.
Winemaker Chris Carpenter notes that Diamond Mountain is the warmest of Napa Valley’s
mountain appellations, which yields softer tannins, slightly higher pH, and more savoury
acidity. Lokoya, owned by the Jackson Family, is devoted exclusively to 100% Cabernet
Sauvignon wines from four of Napa’s mountain AVAs: Diamond Mountain, Howell
Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Mount Veeder. The winemaking is identical across all four
bottlings—native yeast fermentation, hand pump-overs, malolactic fermentation in barrel,
and 22 months of ageing in 85% new French oak. What distinguishes the wines is not style,
but place. Carpenter believes the signature of fine Napa Valley Cabernet isn’t only in the
soils, but also in the influence of Pacific breezes that roll through the region—cooling the
valley from south to north in the evenings, and from north to south in the mornings. Above
the fog line, the mountains experience more moderate diurnal shifts, allowing fruit to ripen
slowly and steadily. That balance of sun, soil, and wind is what shapes the identity of
Lokoya’s mountain-grown Cabernets—and in 2022, Diamond Mountain speaks with clarity
and confidence.

A blend of Gingin and Bernard clones planted in '97 between 100 and 200m in Gruyere. 20% new oak and 10% mlf. Another salivating and seductive Sexton Chardonnay with its bouquet of stone fruits, preserved lemons, freshly ground coffee beans and roasted hazelnut. The beautifully balanced and tightly coiled palate is underpinned by its concentration and intensity. Finishes saline and extremely long. It's all here and needs another five to seven years, at least, to reach its zenith.

From Lou Primavera's '01-planted vineyard at 300m on red volcanic soils in Woori Yallock. 35% whole bunches. A bright crimson red. This always highly seductive and perfumed wine has aromas of raspberries, orange peel and cranberries as well as a little musk stick and rose bush. There's a gentle succulence on the palate that's nicely balanced by the wine's supple tannins and fine-boned acidity. Long, lovely, now and over the next six to eight years.

A 11.5ha vineyard planted in '87 in Gladysdale at 400m with roughly 60% planted to chardonnay. Precise and mineral driven, with aromas of just-ripened orchard fruits, lemon zest and a touch of struck match. A slow but steady burn on the very persistent palate, culminating in a long, structured and saline finish. This will age slowly but surely over the next decade. There's only 200 dozen made in '24, illustrating the lengths that Giant Steps are taking to protect the brand.

The 2023 Stone Cote Vineyard Chardonnay skips out with notes of juicy white peaches, orange blossoms, and lemon curd, plus nuances of crème brûlée and whipped cream. The mediumbodied palate is so, so satiny with a lively line cutting through the intense citrus and orchard fruit layers, finishing long and creamy. 290 cases were made.

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2023 Far Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir reveals red currant and kirsch
notes plus fragrant notes of lavender, underbrush, and mint tea. The medium to full-bodied palate
has wonderful tension with plush tannins and energetic red berry and floral notes, finishing long
and chalky. 348 cases were made.

The 2023 Seascape Vineyard Pinot Noir is pale to medium ruby-purple colored. Notes of forest
floor, garrigue, and warm cranberries pop from the glass, plus hints of mossy tree bark and rose bud
tea. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush and energetic with red berry and earthy layers,
finishing very long and with wonderful freshness. Like tasting a forest stroll! 166 cases were made.

The 2023 Seascape Vineyard Chardonnay skyrockets with intense notes of lime blossoms, fresh pineapple, and passion fruit, followed by nuances of struck flint and nutmeg. The medium to fullbodied palate is tightly wound yet wonderfully expressive with great tension and texture. Stacked with tropical fruit layers, it finishes long and tangy. 266 cases were made.

The 2022 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District is a beautiful wine, offering a
complex array of blackcurrants, leather, graphite, and leafy herbs, along with some exotic floral
notes and new leather. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it delivers
impressive depth while maintaining poise and elegance, with ripe tannins that give it more structure than most in the vintage. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 22 months in 82% new French oak, is a compelling expression of Spring Mountain that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve gracefully over the following 15 years or so.

The 2022 La Jota Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain is a blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 22 months in 72% new French oak. This focused, elegant Cabernet Franc has a beautiful array of red and black fruits along with notes of new leather, savory herbs, and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows excellent focus and elegance, with plenty of tannins that are nicely integrated and balanced by solid mid-palate depth. This classic Howell Mountain wine will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink beautifully for 15+ years.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills is a blend of two vineyards, Andrews Family and Phinny Hill across from Champoux, which are only 10 miles apart but with very different fruit profiles. The marriage works well here, deftly balancing full bodied intensity, velvety tannins, and fruit concentration with elegance and length. Red fruit driven, it has savory, spicy complements from the oak and terroir, with the structure to go another 20 plus years.

A darker ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Maclean's Block reveals a deeper aromatic profile, with notes of cherry cordial, mossy earth, pressed flowers, sage, and dark stones. The palate is light on its feet but has a more expansive and velvety, even texture, and while it’s more savory and deep, it has a lovely floating feel. It’s long on the palate and is going to be worth checking in on over the next 15 or so years.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Fog Dance is also coming from the Green Valley of the Russian River and pours a more jeweled ruby hue. The nose is more layered and enveloping, with notes of wild raspberries, cherries, fresh sage, violet perfume, and orange citrus, while the palate has more tension and well-defined structure, with ripe tannins, zesty, ripe acidity, and long persistence on the finish. It’s built for the long haul but has a lot to offer now. Drink 20262050.

The deep ruby 2023 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard is savory and has a more mineral slant on the nose, with compact notes of black raspberries, juniper, and wild herbs. The palate brings more intensity and has a compact feel, with ripe tannins and focused, refreshing, ripe acidity. With a more structured feel and a long finish, it’s built to last. Drink 2026-2050.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall is a darker saturated red color and starts to show the more savory depth of this area, with notes of savory black olive, graphite, blackcurrants, wild forest herbs, and polished leather. The palate is full and structured and is holding on to its more chiseled tension, though it’s starting to come together and is long on the palate. It’s fantastic now, though it should have plenty of life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2040. This wine has a more angular and chiseled feel in this vintage, whereas the Christopher’s has more plush, elegant suppleness.

Boasting a saturated purple/red color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale is pretty on the nose, with deep notes of crème de cassis, lavender, graphite, fresh tobacco, and minty forest herbs. Full-bodied and ample on the palate, its mountainous savory notes build with an expansive feel and are joined by notes of smoked tea leaf and turned earth. It’s long on the palate and in need of time, but it will be well-matched with well-marbled steak or braised pork. Drink 2030-2050.

A deeper, saturated purple color, the 2021 Helena Dakota Vineyard is sourced from a more insulated and protected site with a lower elevation compared to the Helena Montana Vineyard, featuring alluvial clay soils, and is also entirely Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers resinous and deeper notes of blackcurrants, pressed sage, pencil lead, menthol, and floral perfume. The palate is full-bodied and broad-shouldered, with great energy driven by a fresh spine of acidity, ripe tannins, and a long, salty, and sanguine finish. It’s the most tense and coiled at this early stage of tasting and will take time to soften and fully open. Drink: 2027-2050.

It's a brilliant wine, it delivers on the promise of some of Napa's most talented mountain Cabernet winemakers who have come to Walla Walla. An elegance leaps forth from the glass with brilliant forest character, savoury herbs, bay leaf, hatch pepper, and elements of singed violets. The palate has beautiful depth with immediate approachability but a real sense of freshness and place. What a soaring example of Cabernet from one of Washington's most exciting new brands. Jett is a Washington winemaking project based in Walla Walla by the Jackson Family. Gianna Ghilarducci leads the winemaking in collaboration with mentor Chris Carpenter, and Rafael Jimenez oversees the vineyard management and all of the Jackson projects under Chris Carpenter in Napa.