A century after the Star report, in 1983, the Howell Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) became one of the first official sub-designations of Napa Valley. Where rivers, creeks and property lines usually define an AVA, Howell Mountain's boundaries are defined by a contour line of 1,400 feet at the lowest elevation and the highest vineyards at 2,500 feet above sea level. The vines share the mountain with pines, oaks, madrones and coast redwoods. "If any grape growing region in California deserves to be called a well-defined district, it is Howell Mountain." - ST. HELENA STAR, CIRCA 1880 The 2018 Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot that was aged for 22 months in oak barrels, 84% of which were new. Deep garnet purple in color, it explodes from the glass with a palate of blackcurrant, black cherry plus underlying hints of violets, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. On the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, with a long and fragrant finish. This 2018 vintage continues the legacy of a truly profound Cabernet grown on the forested slopes of Howell Mountain. One of a kind. ABOUT LA JOTA La Jota Vineyard Co. was founded in 1898 by Frederick Hess, an immigrant from Switzerland who founded a German-language newspaper in San Francisco. Doubtless influenced by other European immigrants involved in California's burgeoning wine industry, Hess purchased 327 acres of a Mexican land grant—Rancho La Jota—on Howell Mountain to plant vineyards. He built the stone winery from volcanic ash rock quarried on the property; his first fermentation tanks also came from the estate, from a stand of nearby coastal redwoods. The rocky, shallow soils, abundant wind and fog, and remote location of Howell Mountain terroir were reminiscent of Europe, where some of the world's finest wines were produced. Read more under the tab: Winery FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address. WINE-FOOD SUGGESTIONS Grilled ribeye with rosemary and black pepper The wine's robust tannins and intense fruit aromas are an ideal match for the juicy fats and powerful flavors of a ribeye. The spiciness of rosemary enhances the wine's herbal nuances. Wild boar ragout with mushrooms and thyme The earthy flavors of game and mushrooms harmonize beautifully with the dark fruit tones and graphite minerality of the Howell Mountain Cabernet. Roasted leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary crust The full character of the lamb is beautifully balanced by the acidity and structure of the wine, while the herbs enhance the complexity of the wine. Roasted eggplant with miso and sesame (vegetarian) The umami of miso and the roasted flavors of eggplant match surprisingly well with the powerful structure and dark fruit profile of the wine. Mature cheddar or blue cheese (such as Stilton) The salty, spicy flavours of a mature cheese provide a nice counterbalance to the tannins and bring out the fruity character of the wine