Decanter: 97 Points
(5//19/2022) "Some of Napa's most powerful wines come from Howell Mountain. Along with its sister brands Lokoya and Cardinale, La Jota is one of the crown jewels of Jackson Family Wines. The wines from the volcanic La Jota vineyard have what long-time winemaker Chris Carpenter calls 'mountain power'. Deeply fruited, this explodes in a symphony of chaparral, lavender, blackberry and sage. Yet, for all its power, the wine's violet-blue notes give it freshness. Mountain Cab Franc at its most precise and structured. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2045."
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
(1/14/2021) "Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain was aged for 22 months in oak, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a lifted, perfumed nose of red roses, kirsch, red plums and red currant jelly, followed by hints of mulberries, pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular red fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of earthy sparks. 547 cases were made. Drink 2022 - 2047."
