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La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Merlot 2016
One of the top Merlots in the report is certainly the 2016 Merlot Howell Mountain from La Jota. This fabulous wine boasts a deep purple color as well as a true “wow” nose of blackberries, ripe cherries, spice, bay leaf, and ample savory, complex herbal notes. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a layered, balanced style, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming two decades. Jeb Dunnuck
Ratings on Delectable
Sipping Fine Wine 
Blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot & 5% Tannat, aged 20 mos French oak. LaJota has deep roots in Napa, in 1888, wine pioneer W.S. Keyes planted the first vines on Howell Mountain, 10 years later LaJota Vineyard established, named for location on Mexican parcel Rancho La Jota. Deep Ruby, rich berry fruit aromas & herb spice. On the palate blackberry & cherry flavors with sweet spice, licorice & cacao notes, rich & tangy. Soft full tannins, long finish ending with oak & earthy herbs. Just starting to drink now, will cellar for a decade.
Blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot & 5% Tannat, aged 20 mos French oak. LaJota has deep roots in Napa, in 1888, wine pioneer W.S. Keyes planted the first vines on Howell Mountain, 10 years later LaJota Vineyard established, named for location on Mexican parcel Rancho La Jota. Deep Ruby, rich berry fruit aromas & herb spice. On the palate blackberry & cherry flavors with sweet spice, licorice & cacao notes, rich & tangy. Soft full tannins, long finish ending with oak & earthy herbs. Just starting to drink now, will cellar for a decade.
9.4
James Forsyth
Not stored very well so NR.
Not stored very well so NR.
Dean
A decanted delight
A decanted delight
9.1
Jan A
Could not resist to try one. Some critics state wait until 2021 till even 2026, others state drink now. So double decanted. Typical heavy merlot nose. Dark fruit, scented wood, gravel, pencil shavings on the palate. Drying tannins that coat the mouth. Upside potential to 94-95 when the tannins from the new oak have settled down. Will try the next bottles after 2023. Now 93+
Could not resist to try one. Some critics state wait until 2021 till even 2026, others state drink now. So double decanted. Typical heavy merlot nose. Dark fruit, scented wood, gravel, pencil shavings on the palate. Drying tannins that coat the mouth. Upside potential to 94-95 when the tannins from the new oak have settled down. Will try the next bottles after 2023. Now 93+
9.3Chris Monahan
Happy Easter! 90% merlot, 5.5% petite Verdot, 4.5% Tannat. A rich, brawny, very big and bold classic Merlot. This wine bursts with flavors of chocolate, espresso, blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry along with hints of vanilla, black plums, truffles, and a floral note. It has dense volcanic mineralogy, beautifully integrated tannins, concentrated black fruits and a long layered finish.
Happy Easter! 90% merlot, 5.5% petite Verdot, 4.5% Tannat. A rich, brawny, very big and bold classic Merlot. This wine bursts with flavors of chocolate, espresso, blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry along with hints of vanilla, black plums, truffles, and a floral note. It has dense volcanic mineralogy, beautifully integrated tannins, concentrated black fruits and a long layered finish.
9.3
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