La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet, 2018

2018 La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
A Masterpiece from Winemaker Chris Carpenter

Critical Acclaim
- Robert Parker: 97+ points - "Bombastic... with solid structure"
- James Suckling: 96 points - "Real Howell Mountain character"
- Jeb Dunnuck: 95 points - "Greatest set of wines since the early 1990s"

Wine Composition
- 80% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 7% Merlot
- 6% Cabernet Franc
- 5% Malbec
- 2% Petit Verdot

Terroir Expression
Howell Mountain's distinctive characteristics:
- Higher elevation, cooler temperatures
- Iron-rich volcanic soils
- Bordeaux-like climate
- Conifer-forested surroundings

Tasting Profile
- Aromatics: Pine needles, asphalt, graphite, violets
- Primary Notes: Black currants, black cherries, boysenberries
- Complex Elements: Dark licorice, gravelly earth
- Secondary Notes: Dark roasted coffee, toasted oak
- Structure: Firm, grainy tannins with muscular character

- Vintage: 2018
- Region: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
- Aging: 22 months in oak (84% new)
- Production: 3,997 cases
- Winemaker: Chris Carpenter

Legacy
- Represents the pinnacle of La Jota's modern era
- Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Chris Carpenter (Lokoya, Cardinale)
- Continues the estate's heritage of profound mountain Cabernets
- Revival of La Jota's golden age under Helen Turley

Limited availability of this benchmark Howell Mountain Cabernet, representing the resurgence of a historic Napa estate.

Keywords: La Jota Vineyards, Howell Mountain Cabernet, Chris Carpenter winemaker, mountain-grown Cabernet, Napa Valley wine, premium Cabernet blend, collectible wine, Jackson Family Wines