La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2016

La Jota Vineyard Co. was founded in 1898 by Frederick Hess, an immigrant from Switzerland, who established a German-language newspaper in San Francisco. Hess purchased 327 acres of a Mexican land grant—Rancho La Jota—on Howell Mountain to plant vineyards. He built a stone winery from volcanic ash rock quarried on the property (a ghost winery) and his first fermentation tanks also came from Redwoods on the estate.

A gorgeous plot of land, La Jota Vineyard lies high upon a volcanic plateau, looking east over Napa Valley about 1500 ft above sea level. Surrounded by pine, fir, oak and madrone trees, the estate stands out because of its cool, windswept climate. The estate also stands out for their incredible quality of wine– always amongst the Napa Valley’s elite, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen the plot of land they have to work with.

It’s there that superstar winemaker, Chris Carptenter (previously at Cardinale) has been making some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc off the mountainous terrain. He does so with laser-like Napa Cabernets that have multiple layers, structured tannins and tremendous aging potential.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon earned two 95 point scores from Wine Enthusiast (who also gave it a Cellar Selection) and Wine Spectator, while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a 95+ while all three raved about the wines aging potential. This is a collector’s item for sure. One of the premiere Napa Valley wineries in one of the best spots in one of the best places to grow Cabernet in the world. $125/btl. Only 24 btls to go around.

Reviews below.