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La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
New release of one of Napa's most sought-after Cabernets. Limited.La Jota's cooler temperatures, wetter climate, iron-volcanic soils, and forests filled with conifers make Howell Mountain one of Napa's most Bordeaux like appellations and a place where Cabernet based wines shine. This Cabernet showcases anise and blackberry fruit with notes of pine and toast, combined with great textural length and a lingering finish. 95 Points Antonio Galloni: "Graphite, pencil shavings, violets, melted road tar, spices, blue/purplish fruit and lavender flesh out in the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon from La Jota. Aromatically striking and totally vivid in the glass, the 2011 stands out for its crystalline purity, finesse and vibrant finish. All the elements are in the right place. The tannins are firm yet also silky. This is a flat-out stunning wine from Chris Carpenter and La Jota. The 2011 is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.
Ratings on Delectable
Jared Cocke 
Proof that vintages on the floor of Napa do not represent vintages on the mountain appellations. Luscious tannins and firm acidity drive home a hammer of a wine. Chris Carpenter knows his stuff. Drink now but wait 3-5 years for a softer profile.
Proof that vintages on the floor of Napa do not represent vintages on the mountain appellations. Luscious tannins and firm acidity drive home a hammer of a wine. Chris Carpenter knows his stuff. Drink now but wait 3-5 years for a softer profile.
9.0Dan Thomas
Delicious bright fruit lush palate. I don't think a long time aged but very easy to appreciate right now
Delicious bright fruit lush palate. I don't think a long time aged but very easy to appreciate right now
9.1
Christopher Cordero
Firm in every category, this Cab represents the volcanic soil that produces such rich and luscious wines.
Firm in every category, this Cab represents the volcanic soil that produces such rich and luscious wines.
9.2
Karl Ziegler
A bit too much new oak and some overly extracted fruit, for my taste anyway...
A bit too much new oak and some overly extracted fruit, for my taste anyway...
8.6
Will Burkholder
Owner Fine Wine Dump
Love a good Howell Mtn cab. One of the better 2011 Napa cabs I've tasted.
Love a good Howell Mtn cab. One of the better 2011 Napa cabs I've tasted.
9.1
Christanna Honer
Bright and juicy, still a little youthful, think it will develop wonderfully
Bright and juicy, still a little youthful, think it will develop wonderfully
8.8Christanna Honer
Great acidity in balance w tannins, fruit is pleasantly ripe w abundant anise, tobacco, cola, and soil notes. Howell Mtn, it's like chewing dirt--I mean that in a good way.
Great acidity in balance w tannins, fruit is pleasantly ripe w abundant anise, tobacco, cola, and soil notes. Howell Mtn, it's like chewing dirt--I mean that in a good way.
9.9
Carl Fischer
Ordered the 2010 vintage but they were out and offered this one instead. I'm still skeptical when it comes to 2011s but this one was so darn good. Great mountain berries on the palate, strong tannins, but not overbearing, and an acidity that brought it all into balance. Medium/full bodied, beautifully dark in the glass -- this was so good.
Ordered the 2010 vintage but they were out and offered this one instead. I'm still skeptical when it comes to 2011s but this one was so darn good. Great mountain berries on the palate, strong tannins, but not overbearing, and an acidity that brought it all into balance. Medium/full bodied, beautifully dark in the glass -- this was so good.
9.4Nils Johnson
(My portfolio). Still cruising along with its powerful self. Black licorice and blueberry jam and a smokiness to go along with that Howell Mountain herbal back note.
(My portfolio). Still cruising along with its powerful self. Black licorice and blueberry jam and a smokiness to go along with that Howell Mountain herbal back note.
9.3
Eric Shanks
Overall a disappointment. Had a -94 a few weeks ago that was outstanding. Granted not a fair comparison but this one was tart, disjointed, and awkward.
Overall a disappointment. Had a -94 a few weeks ago that was outstanding. Granted not a fair comparison but this one was tart, disjointed, and awkward.
8.7
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