2016 La Jota Cabernet Franc

La Jota Vineyard is a 28-acre estate on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. It was started in 1982 by Bill Smith, an oil industry veteran, and his wife Joan. The couple bought a historic winery started in the late 19th century by a Swiss immigrant, Frederick Hess. The Smiths’ first winemaker was Randy Dunn. La Jota today is owned by Jackson Family Wines and the wines are made by Chris Carpenter. La Jota makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

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.

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.