2019 La Jota Howell Mountain Merlot

A unique Merlot that emphasizes savory, earthy, and herbaceous notes, complemented by subtle fruit, earning high praise from critics.

Producer

La Jota Vineyard Co.

Region

Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, CA

Country

USA

Varietal

Merlot

Varietal Composition

81.5% Merlot, 11.5% Petit Verdot, 7% Tannat

Specifications

2019

Vintage

2034

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

Occasional wine note

This Merlot seems to highlight more savory, earthy and herbaceous tones than the more fruit forward options you'll produced elsewhere in the region. The fruit is still there, but in a more complimentary role than normal. In the end, it all comes together to delivery a unique, but delicious Merlot absolutely worthy of the noteworthy critic scores.

What experts say about this wine

100

James Suckling

Lots of black olives with some conifer and mushrooms. Raspberries, too. Full-bodied with soft and round tannins. Really savory. Juicy. Drink now.

100

Wine Spectator

Refined and polished yet deeply structured, with expressive red currant, dried herbs and hints of stony minerality that build tension and richness toward big but polished tannins. Drink now through 2030.

pairing recommendation