2009 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Selection

(with 12% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 85% new French oak): Good deep ruby. Musk cassis, black cherry and chocolate on the nose. Fatter and sweeter than the merlot, at once muskier and more penetrating in the mid-palate, with a distinctly juicy quality and good energy to the mountain berry flavors. Finishes with substantial but round tannins and very good length. Owing to its vibrancy, this may yet merit an even higher score with a few more years in bottle.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous, round wine with expressive dark red and black fruit, earthiness, menthol, spices and graphite. The firm Howell Mountain tannins are there, but the presence of Merlot (12%) helps to soften the wine. This is a gorgeous showing from La Jota and winemaker Chris Carpenter.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as gorgeous and round in its expressive dark red and black fruit, earthiness, menthol, spices and graphite. The firm Howell Mountain tannins are there, but the presence of Merlot (12%) helps to soften the wine. This is a gorgeous showing from La Jota and winemaker Chris Carpenter. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Tel. (877) 222-0292