La Jota Merlot

Perched high on a volcanic plateau above the fog line, the 2013 La Jota Howell Mountain Merlot captures the raw beauty and depth of one of Napa Valley’s most revered mountain appellations. Crafted by Chris Carpenter, the acclaimed winemaker behind Cardinale, Lokoya, Mt. Brave, Caladan, and Australia’s Hickinbotham. This wine reflects a meticulous, terroir-first approach and a vintage that continues to be celebrated for its power, clarity, and longevity.

A blend of 91% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, the fruit was hand-harvested in small 30-pound boxes to protect its integrity, then hand-sorted for precision. After destemming and a gentle crush, the must was cold-soaked to extract color, aromatics, and refined tannins, followed by aging 22 months in French oak (60% new), a regimen that shapes both texture and polish.

Sourced entirely from the high-elevation La Jota Vineyard, the wine showcases Howell Mountain’s signature tension between richness and mineral restraint. The 2013 vintage, known for its structure and age-worthiness, amplifies these qualities with remarkable finesse.

On the palate, the wine unfolds in layers: mocha, plum, and blackberry, accented by a faint whisper of charcoal and fine mountain minerality. The texture is hallmark La Jota: velvety, expansive, and persistently long. Carrying its dark-fruited intensity through a sustained, elegant finish. Awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, this is a Merlot of exceptional pedigree and enduring beauty.

A commanding yet graceful mountain wine that exemplifies the sophistication of Howell Mountain and the artistry of Chris Carpenter.