Reviews & Ratings

2005 La Jota Merlot "Howell Mountain"

Winery: La Jota

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Howell Mountain"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 96% Merlot & 4% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Howell Mountain

State or country: CA

Price: $45

Cases produced: 140

KWG Score: 87.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: September 23, 2009

Wine Review: This very dark purple Merlot made from mountain fruit opens with a ripe blueberry bouquet with a hint of cinnamon spice. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and very approachable. The flavor profile is a mild black raspberry with some noted blueberry and a dash of black pepper and spice. The finish is quite dry and its very lengthy fine tannins go on for quite some time. I would pair this Very Good Merlot with a nice thick cut of prime rib. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: "Our 2005 Howell Mountain Merlot opens with lush, classic aromas of black cherry and chocolate. The richly-textured flavors echo the aromas, and then pick up blackberry and brown sugar as they linger on the expansive finish. Hints of minerals (the voice of La Jota terroir) weave through the dark fruit and cocoa expression. We call this a Merlot for Cab drinkers because of the firm backbone of mountain tannins, yet the wine is unmistakably elegant and supple. Aging in French oak barrels added subtle vanilla and spice nuances." CHRISTOPHER CARPENTER, WINEMAKER

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell La Jota 2005 Howell Mountain Merlot.