Product Overview
Winemaker's Notes
"The 2021 season began with very little rain, and spring and summer were mild. Interestingly, because the heavy wildfire smoke during 2020 decreased the vineyards’ exposure to sunlight, the vines were set up to give us lower yields in the new season. So for 2021 there is less wine but just phenomenal character. This vintage is a strong example of why Merlot belongs in the mountains. Notes of huckleberry, blueberry, walnut, dried flowers, and sage weave a vibrant, supple tapestry that goes on and on."
Varietal Composition: 93.5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 1.5% Tannat
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA
Vineyards: La Jota Vineyard, W.S. Keyes Vineyard
Aging: 22 months in French oak, 90% new
Winemaker: Chris Carpenter
93 Points - Wine Spectator
"Richly styled yet muscular in structure, with deep flavors of blackberry and red currant highlighted by espresso, cedar and mineral notes as this builds tension toward tightly wound tannins. Needs time. Best from 2026 through 2032. 674 cases made." -TF, 11/30/24
93 Points - Wine Advocate
"La Jota's 2021 Merlot Howell Mountain includes small proportions of Petit Verdot (5%) and Tannat (2%). Scents of mint, pine, black cherries, cedar and crushed stone mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is reasonably supple up front, then turns softly dusty on the long, elegant finish." -JC, 7/3/24
