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2017 La Jota Cabernet Franc

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased upon release; Consignor is original owner

2 available
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Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

96The Wine Advocate

...expressive black cherries, kirsch, warm blackberries and boysenberry scents with touches of sawdust, red roses, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of stewed tea. Full-bodied, the palate reveals a lot of depth with tons of red and black fruit layers and savory accents, framed by ripe, firm, grainy tannins, finishing with a refreshing lift and some mineral notions coming through.

95Jeb Dunnuck

...notes as well as perfumed black raspberry fruits, lots of floral and bay leaf hints, medium to full body, fine tannins, and a terrific sense of elegance.

94Wine Enthusiast

...impresses vintage to vintage, this time as a thick concentrated expression of dusty, brooding dark fruit and herb. The full-bodied intensity rides serious structure and refined oak, with accents of leather and sage.

93+ Vinous / IWC

...fabulous. Bold and dramatic in scale...hits the palate with serious fruit intensity and tons of pure richness. Super-ripe red cherry, red plum, menthol, wild flowers, chocolate and mocha build as this racy, voluptuous wine shows off its alluring personality.

93James Suckling

A pinpointed cabernet franc with blueberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Shows a stone undertone. Pretty finish.

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, 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.

VINTAGE

2017 La Jota Cabernet Franc