Holiday

"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

"On the palate, the 2016 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon has blackberry, rosemary, subtly Asian spice, and a hint of Petit Verdot finishing with a great mid palate weight and earthy tannic structure, there is no doubt you are drinking a Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon."
Winemaker Chris Carpenter

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

97+ Points
"... the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is deep garnet-purple colored and features gregarious crème de cassis, black cherry preserves and baked plums with touches of Indian spices, cigar box and charcuterie. Full, firm and decadently fruited, it has a fantastic foundation and very long, layered and expressive finish."
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October 2018

"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 2023 W.S. Keyes Vineyard Chardonnay opens with layers of Macintosh apple, pear, and a touch of apricot, with hints of vanilla and freshly baked bread. A well-balanced hit of acidity energizes the palate, driving to a refreshing finish."
–Chris Carpenter, Winemaker

Anjou pear, chamomile, hints of beeswax and straw.
82% Marsanne, 18% Roussanne