Smoky oak, ripe cherry-berry notes, hint of spice; richly texture flavors, firm tannins, elegant balance, layered fruit. Value.

Lokoya specializes in specific-appellation Cabernets, mostly from mountain peaks. The current Cabernet lineup from the '97 vintage includes:

Lokoya specializes in specific-appellation Cabernets, mostly from mountain peaks. The current Cabernet lineup from the '97 vintage includes:

Lokoya specializes in specific-appellation Cabernets, mostly from mountain peaks. The current Cabernet lineup from the '97 vintage includes:

Lokoya specializes in specific-appellation Cabernets, mostly from mountain peaks. The current Cabernet lineup from the '97 vintage includes:

Firm and deeply concentrated, with a solid tannic punch to the blackberry, currant, coffee and plum flavors, this broad-appellation Cabernet reflects the strength of the vintage throughout the state.

Pretty aromas of vanilla, grapefruit and lemon oil.

Spicy aromas of pear, peach and vanilla. Soft, smooth and fruity; in a distinctly sweet style but with just enough acidity to give it shape. Spicy oak compliments but does not overwhelm the fruit. User-friendly chardonnay with modest length and grip.

The lovely bouquet of blackberry jam, oak with mint, cedar, and black olives draws you in. Broad and rich on the palate, with ample but fine tanins. Great depth of dark-berry fruit, with coffee and cedar shadings. The explosive finish just keeps going as intriguing sweet-tart fruit and bitter chocolate notes please all the way out.

Very aromatic, showing a complex nose of cherry, spice, smoked and raw meat, and tobacco. The flavors are copious, too, with strong black cherry, licorice and tobacco elements. Balance and structure are beautiful here, and the coffee-chocolate finish has a very good length, showing spice and blueberry accents. Lovely already, it will be better in four years.

A power-packed heavyweight from Sonoma, this delivers a piercing black-fruit aroma and flavor profile. Cassis and plum flavors are tight and tasty, and the long, juicy finifh indicates that it could evolve nicely. Anyone planning on drinking it soon should expect a punch…

Big mountain fruit here throws powerful aromas of ripe plum, thyme and bacon, while full-scale oaking yields maple aromas, vanilla flavors, and coffee on the finish. The wood element is a little weighty at this point, but there's solid fruit to support it.

Very black-fruited and equally heavy on the toasted oak, which together yield a menthol-and-mint aroma package. A bit of a love-it-or-leave-it wine, as its extreme oaking leaves the impression of espresso and char. The finish is on the short side, and the ody a bit hollow given its gigantic proportions.

"This wine typically requires years to open up; now it's very tight and only offers a modicum of leather, toast and black-currant aromas. The plum and blackberry fruit is hunky, not stylish. The acids are bold, and the tannins are bulky, which masks what charm might be hidden beneath.'

An approachable wine with blueberry, blackberry and dried cherry flavors. A bit soft but varietally correct.

Deep black fruit aroma, plums and black cherries; toasted oak backnotes; full tannins, cherry-berry flavors; long finish.

…boasts a brawny, full-throttle character reflective of its rugged origins..

Combining scents of nicely ripened apples, pears, and crea,y oak in its easy-access aromas, this rounded and fairly weighty Chardonnay has plenty of palatal presence…

An intensely flavored, mountain-grown Cabernet that ranks as one of the best California reds from a blockbuster vintage. Highly recommended.

'Amazing depth, richness, complexity and concentration here -- and an impeccable balance. Offers layers of plush black cherry, wild berry, currant, plum, anise and sage, finishing in a long, detailed aftertaste. Has the tannic strength to age; drink through 2012.

Wonderfully proportioned, smooth & ripe, with rich black cherry, currant, wild berry & spice, offering depth & complexity, turning elegant & sophisticated. Cabernet Sauvigon & Merlot. Best from 2001 through 2009. 3900 cases made.

dark, firm and concentrated, with chewy tannins wrapped around a core of earthy currant, mint and cedar notes, focused and long on the finish…tasted twice with consistant notes.'

Ultraripe and jammy, with layers of black cherry, wild berry and raspberry, finishing with a dose of heat and ripe tannins. Best from 2002 through 2010.

Concentrated and brawny, with almost viscous flavors of chocolate, dried fruit and smoke that linger on the thick finish…Tasted twice, consistent notes.

Dense, tannic and earthy, with spicy herb, pepper and wild berry flavors. The tannins are industrial strength, bu tpolished enough to drink in a year or two. Best from 2002 through 2012.