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2014 La Jota Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

October 8, 2023 - $66

Estimate

RATINGS

94Wine Enthusiast

...impressively oaked and tannic in its youth, with a concentration of densely packed red and black currants. Coconut shavings and vanilla appear from the background alongside black pepper and cinnamon.

94Jeb Dunnuck

...classic black cherry and plum fruit as well as complex notes of spice-box, chocolate, and dried flowers...ripe, sexy personality, nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and impressive purity of fruit...

93Robert M. Parker Jr.

...big, sweet kiss of mulberry, chocolate, mocha and coffee, the wine is luscious, fleshy, dramatic and even flamboyant, with fabulous fruit on the attack and mid-palate, silky tannin and a plush, layered mouthfeel.

93Wine Spectator

Pure and powerful, with intense red berry and dark cherry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity and firm tannins. Dried green herb and spice notes show on the engaging and mineral-filled finish.

92Vinous / IWC

...spine of tannin and acidity shapes the wine nicely. Dark plum, cherry, spice, licorice and lavender flesh out in the glass.

PRODUCER

La Jota

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.

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, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.