La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2021
La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2021 originates from the Howell Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa Valley, California. Established in 1898 by Frederick Hess, the La Jota Vineyard Co. is built on a legacy that began with some of the first vines planted on the mountain by pioneer W.S. Keyes in 1888. Under the guidance of winemaker Chris Carpenter, the winery practices a philosophy of maximum attention in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the cellar to express the unique mineral complexity and intense fruit of its high-elevation estate.
Wine Description
This vintage features a deep, saturated colour and offers a concentrated sensory profile characterized by its "mountain" intensity. The aroma is powerful and complex, delivering notes of black cherries, blueberries, cassis, and darker currants, accented by pine needle, scorched earth, and graphite. On the full-bodied palate, it is dense and powerful with robust, broad-shouldered tannins that possess a chocolaty texture. Flavours of black currant cordial and creme de violette meld with expressive ironstone minerality and fresh garrigue. The finish is long and gorgeously flavoured, showing a balance of freshness and polished tannins. The varietal composition for the 2021 vintage is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 2.5% Petit Verdot. This wine has an ABV of 14.5%.
Food Pairing
The structured tannins and intense dark fruit of this mountain Cabernet make it an ideal partner for a thick, well-marbled steak, such as a New York strip or ribeye. It also pairs excellently with other rich red meats, including roasted rack of lamb with rosemary or espresso-encrusted short ribs. For vegetarian options, the wine's bold acidity and earthy undertones complement mushroom risotto, eggplant parmesan, or dishes featuring black truffles.
Vintage Quality
The 2021 vintage is regarded as superb in California, defined by a growing season that was one of the easiest in years despite very little rain. In Howell Mountain, yields were significantly lower—down approximately 30% to 35%—due to decreased sunlight exposure from heavy wildfire smoke in the previous season. However, these lower yields resulted in phenomenal character, with grapes producing wines of exceptional precision, focus, and saturated fruit density.
98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: "Another incredibly concentrated, focused, insanely impressive wine in the lineup is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, which offers a powerful nose of darker currants, scorched earth, graphite, and savory herb aromas and flavors. This full-bodied, dense, concentrated, powerful, inward beauty needs 4-6 years in the cellar but will age forever."
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2021 originates from the Howell Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa Valley, California. Established in 1898 by Frederick Hess, the La Jota Vineyard Co. is built on a legacy that began with some of the first vines planted on the mountain by pioneer W.S. Keyes in 1888. Under the guidance of winemaker Chris Carpenter, the winery practices a philosophy of maximum attention in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the cellar to express the unique mineral complexity and intense fruit of its high-elevation estate.
Wine Description
This vintage features a deep, saturated colour and offers a concentrated sensory profile characterized by its "mountain" intensity. The aroma is powerful and complex, delivering notes of black cherries, blueberries, cassis, and darker currants, accented by pine needle, scorched earth, and graphite. On the full-bodied palate, it is dense and powerful with robust, broad-shouldered tannins that possess a chocolaty texture. Flavours of black currant cordial and creme de violette meld with expressive ironstone minerality and fresh garrigue. The finish is long and gorgeously flavoured, showing a balance of freshness and polished tannins. The varietal composition for the 2021 vintage is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 2.5% Petit Verdot. This wine has an ABV of 14.5%.
Food Pairing
The structured tannins and intense dark fruit of this mountain Cabernet make it an ideal partner for a thick, well-marbled steak, such as a New York strip or ribeye. It also pairs excellently with other rich red meats, including roasted rack of lamb with rosemary or espresso-encrusted short ribs. For vegetarian options, the wine's bold acidity and earthy undertones complement mushroom risotto, eggplant parmesan, or dishes featuring black truffles.
Vintage Quality
The 2021 vintage is regarded as superb in California, defined by a growing season that was one of the easiest in years despite very little rain. In Howell Mountain, yields were significantly lower—down approximately 30% to 35%—due to decreased sunlight exposure from heavy wildfire smoke in the previous season. However, these lower yields resulted in phenomenal character, with grapes producing wines of exceptional precision, focus, and saturated fruit density.
98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: "Another incredibly concentrated, focused, insanely impressive wine in the lineup is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, which offers a powerful nose of darker currants, scorched earth, graphite, and savory herb aromas and flavors. This full-bodied, dense, concentrated, powerful, inward beauty needs 4-6 years in the cellar but will age forever."
