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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
Severn Goodwin 
Blind dinner, open theme, mid-week at The Elm in Great Barrington MA.
Blind dinner, open theme, mid-week at The Elm in Great Barrington MA.
9.2
Tyler Elwell
Outstanding. Definitely get some savory/herbal from the cooler vintage which I find personally find intriguing. Highly recommend.
Outstanding. Definitely get some savory/herbal from the cooler vintage which I find personally find intriguing. Highly recommend.
9.5
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
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.
9.4
Patrick Sullivan
Western Mountain Regional manager estates division of Jackson Family Wines
Growing at higher elevation off the valley floor makes beautiful wines. Yes even for 2011!
Growing at higher elevation off the valley floor makes beautiful wines. Yes even for 2011!
9.6
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
Jeff Stewart
Private Collections Wine Director
Needs about 10 more years. As expected very tight despite a very long decant.
Needs about 10 more years. As expected very tight despite a very long decant.
8.9
Ryan Davis
Mine
Mine
9.5
Will Burkholder
Owner Fine Wine Dump
Love Howell Mtn juice. While valley floor had challenges in 2011....Mtn juice thrived.
Love Howell Mtn juice. While valley floor had challenges in 2011....Mtn juice thrived.
9.3
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