We craft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot in very limited production. The wines' distinctive flavor profiles from our cool-climate
terroir uniquely reveal the voice of our high-elevation La Jota estate.
This expression of cool Howell Mountain terroir comes from a selection of softer-textured Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.
A small percentage of Merlot imparts plushness and broader tannins, while a dash of Petit Verdot from a small block
near the winery adds intriguing spice character.
Our Cabernet Franc comes from a phenomenal vineyard next to the winery that was planted on phylloxera-resistant St.
George rootstock in 1976. These old vines self-regulate, yielding small crops of intensely flavored berries that
richly capture the essence of La Jota terroir.
Mountain tannins give our Merlot a firm backbone, while grapes from the meadow blocks impart a distinctive
cocoa/chocolate element. We add a little Merlot from the sunnier Keyes Vineyard nearby to give it bright fruit
character.