Jame Suckling – 95 Points
A firm, silky red with blackberry, blueberry and hints of black and green olives and herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, chewy tannins and a fruity finish. Drink or hold. Apr/2021 —Jame Suckling jamessuckling.com
Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points
In general, 2018 was a great vintage for this variety, and the deep purple-hued 2018 Merlot is stunning stuff. Lots of cassis, candied violets, scorched earth, and graphite notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, elegant 2018 with polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s going to evolve for 15 years or more. Jan/2021 —jebdunnuck.com
Wine Spectator – 95 Points
Refined, rich and powerfully structured flavors of cherry, currant and dried raspberry are tensile, supported by firm acidity and tannins. Ends with a minerally flourish on the firm finish, with notes of savory herbs. Best from 2022 through 2027. 970 cases made. Oct/2021 —KM winespectator.com
Wine Enthusiast – 95 Points
Reductive on the nose, this bold mountain red is brimming in plum, cranberry and currant, with underlying earthiness that complements in savory cedar and tobacco. High-toned acidity and lifted aromatics provide a balance and brightness that surprises and lengthens the impressive palate. Dec/2021 —Viriginie Boone -winemag.com
Description
Situated in the heart of California wine country, La Jota Vineyards has been a Napa Valley staple since the late 19th century—One of the historical wine-making giants still producing some of the area’s most sought-after wines today. Established by wine pioneer Walter H. Jaffee in 1895, this iconic vineyard is best known for its top rated cabernet and merlot reds, but also boasts a full portfolio of award-winning wines today. Despite having gone through multiple iterations over time, La Jota remains dedicated to preserving its traditional wine styles, educating wine lovers from all over on their rich storied history, and continuously producing remarkable wine that can be enjoyed by many for years to come.
La Jota Merlot is a wine produced by La Jota Vineyard Co. in the Napa Valley region of California. The history of La Jota Vineyard dates back to the late 19th century when it was founded by a Swiss immigrant named Frederick Hess. He purchased the property on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley in 1898 and planted vineyards.
The name “La Jota” is derived from the Spanish word for “the letter J” since the property is located in a part of the valley shaped like the letter J. The mountainous terrain and unique microclimate of Howell Mountain make it an ideal location for growing high-quality grapes.
The Hess family continued to manage the vineyard for several generations. Over the years, La Jota Vineyard gained a reputation for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. In 2005, La Jota Vineyard was acquired by the Jackson Family Wines, a well-known and respected wine producer with a portfolio of wineries.
Under the ownership of the Jackson Family, La Jota Merlot and other wines from the estate have continued to flourish. The winemaking team at La Jota Vineyard is dedicated to crafting exceptional Merlot wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Howell Mountain terroir.
La Jota Merlot is known for its rich, fruit-forward flavors with a good balance of acidity and tannins. It often displays notes of dark berries, plum, and hints of spice, making it a popular choice among Merlot enthusiasts.
The history of La Jota Merlot is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Napa Valley wine region and the dedication of the winemakers who continue to produce high-quality wines from this storied vineyard.
