The wines of La Jota have deep roots in Napa Valley. Back in 1888, winemaking pioneer W.S. Keyes planted some of the first vines on Howell Mountain. Ten years later his contemporary, Fredrick Hess, built a stone winery and established La Jota Vineyard Co., named for its location on the Mexican parcel Rancho La Jota. Both men won medals for their Howell Mountain wines in the Paris Exposition of 1900.

Today, La Jota Vineyard Co. proudly carries on this great legacy with its small-production mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. All La Jota wines are sourced from the winery’s estate and from nearby W.S. Keyes Vineyard capturing the intense fruit and mineral complexity of these cool-climate origins.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 91.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Malbec, 2% Merlot, and 2.5% Petit Verdot. The color is deep garnet with purple edges. Aromas out of the glass burst with cassis, spring flowers and ripe blueberry along with notes of sweet tobacco, dark melted chocolate and sage. The palate is medium to full-bodied. The inner core reveals amazing structured layers of black fruit, framed by silk, finely grained tannins and a refreshing lingering finish. The 2022 La Jota Howell Mountain is beautifully balanced and elegant. It has enough stuffing to age up to 15 years in the cellar but can be enjoyed now with decanting before serving. One of the top wines from the 2022 vintage!

By Perry Miroballi