2012 La Jota Restricted Yverdon Vineyard 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.

Spring Mountain AVA is above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. There is no actual Spring Mountain, but the name has traditionally been used for the area, which includes many streams and springs. Spring Mountain was awarded appellation status in 1993 and it includes about 1,000 vineyard acres. Vineyard elevations are high, from 400 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Because of the altitude of most vineyards, which are above the fog line, mornings become warm earlier than vineyards on the valley floor, though the afternoons are cooled by maritime winds. The result is an exceptionally long growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most frequently planted grape by acreage, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.

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.