La Jota 2018 Merlot   

2018 La Jota Merlot Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Wine Advocate
94+ Points
Composed of 89.5% Merlot, 5.5% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Merlot Howell Mountain was aged for 22 months in oak, 74% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with earthy notes of truffles, tilled soil and mossy tree bark with a core of warm cassis, blackberry preserves and fresh plums. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with fantastic freshness and loads of crunchy black fruit flavor layers, it finishes on a lingering mineral note. 970 cases were made. Drink Date 2022 - 2043. Lisa Perrotti-Brown 14th Jan 2021