Sourced primarily from the La Jota Vineyard as well as lesser parts from the W.S.Keyes Vineyard, head winemaker Chris Carpenter has made one of the most compelling Merlot bottlings I have tasted this year. This gorgeous wine was aged 19 months in French oak (80% new) prior to bottling. Possessing an inky, dark color, this hedonistic Merlot opens with aromatics of black cherries, milk chocolate, coffee grounds, pencil shavings, and nicely woven oak. On the palate there are concentrated flavors of black cherries, black raspberry along with anise, crème de cassis and dark chocolate torte. The plush mouthfeel is exquisite, with a tannic and masculine frame leading into the long supple finish. Today, this is already extremely appealing and should continue to show well over the next decade and even beyond. (Best 2016-2030) - November, 2016 (OB)
Wine Specifications
- Report Date: November, 2016
- Producer: La Jota
- Vintage: 2013
- Drinking Window: 2018-2030
- Estimated Value: $90
- Country: United States
- Region: California
- Appellation: Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
- Importer: N/A