Wines

"There is so much refinement in this wine in 2023. It retains its characteristic power and intensity, yet the tannins are of such immense quality and precision that they gently support and glide the succulent dark fruit across the palate. Throughout, a deep ironstone mineral character shines clearly. On the back end, that expressiveness evolves into notes of loamy earth and wet slate, fuelled by a mix of dark berry fruit and finishing with a distinctly salted stone character that is wholly characteristic of this wine. Winemaker Chris Carpenter explains that La Jota’s wines tend to offer more generous, approachable tannins... That accessibility, he notes, comes down to thoughtful decisions around clone, rootstock, and site selection (some of the vineyard blocks naturally yield softer, more inviting tannins, as opposed to dense, palate-etching structures; he seeks Cabernet Sauvignon expressions that are powerful and present, yet have a gentler texture)..."
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, June 2026

"Cabernet Franc has been made continuously at La Jota Vineyard Co. since 1976, notes winemaker Chris Carpenter... The wine is ultra-polished and supremely suave, brimming with energy and drive. Pure blackberry and black cherry fruit sit at the core, lifted by blue-skinned fruit aromatics, high-toned sagebrush notes, and accents of smoked paprika and dried thyme. The concentration is positively potent, supported by ultra-fine, immensely powerful tannins and a strikingly mineral finish of exceptional length. There is a saline intensity to the mineral character, and while the tannins are formidable, they are also refined and seamlessly integrated, making the wine remarkably drinkable in its youth, yet clearly destined to age gracefully and develop extraordinary complexity over time in the cellar."
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, June 2026

The inspiration behind this wine was to explore these often underappreciated varieties and show how the can be greater thank the sum of the parts. Each variety plays a different roll. This year the Pinot Blanc really sparkled. Its focused energy serves as the heart of the wine. The Albariño was also brimming with aromatics and hints of salinity. Chenin Blanc and Marsanne add palate weight and complexity.
44% Pinot Blanc, 32% Albariño, 14% Marsanne, 10% Chenin Blanc

Early apricot, green almon, lemon zest, and quince.
100% Chenin Blanc