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2018 La Jota Cabernet Franc

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

January 21, 2024 - $71

Estimate

RATINGS

96+ The Wine Advocate

...opens with a lifted, perfumed nose of red roses, kirsch, red plums and red currant jelly, followed by hints of mulberries, pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular red fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of earthy sparks.

94Vinous / IWC

Black cherry, gravel, spice, leather, licorice and intense mineral notes infuse the Franc with so much energy and character.

94James Suckling

...blackberry, fresh-herb and violet aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish.

94+ Jeb Dunnuck

...all varietal and offers a rich, medium to full-bodied style with plenty of dark, chocolately fruit as well as notes of tobacco, leafy herbs, and graphite...some upfront appeal, with beautiful fruit, but there are ample mountain tannins...

91Wine Enthusiast

This is a varietally pleasing and well-made wine, bright and full bodied, with bursts of violet, lavender and herbes de Provence dotting a core of dense black cherry and currant. Structured in moutain-grown tannin, it holds a grip throughout, finishing in a note of coffee bean.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Franc

This is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon. It most likely originates from Basque country. It is an excellent blending grape, known for making the exquisite Cheval-Blanc. Franc is a little hardier on a vine than Sauvignon, but drinks smoothly at the table.