Community Tasting Notes 21

• timewithwine wrote:

  December 21, 2019 - After opening a bottle in anticipation of a dinner guest and finding the cork brittle and the wine slipping toward a downward side, I opened the other bottle two nights later only to confirm both issues. The core of the cork crumbed and left nothing for the worm to hold. The corks then separated in the same place, i.e. about 1/3 of an inch from the bottom. Not enough remained for my ah-so opener to grab and pull the balance out. Pushing the cork residue in and decanting was the only option. The core remains opaque while the broad rim is a vibrant plum. Blackberry and eucalyptus on the nose with dill developing as the wine opens over time. The palate tracks the nose but with time, a caramelized balsamic develops on the mid-palate and finish where some anise also shines through. After awhile, however, the dill becomes more pronounced, almost distractingly so. Despite its age, the wine is big on the attack. The distinct California (if not Howell Mountain) “sweetness” invites you in. The mouthfeel is rich and big. But after a couple of hours, it tires the palate and becomes tiresome to drink. Amazingly, not a hint of sediment with either bottle. 14.9% alc. With filet mignon the first night and beef tenderloin, both served with a mushroom-cognac sauce. 12.19-21.19. Recommended but with Reservations.

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• RomanPski Likes this wine: 93 points

  January 1, 2019 - Very good Napa Cab. Very leathery, earthy, and dried berries at this age point. What a way to bring in the New Years. Drink now or hold few more years.

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• PSUSteve Likes this wine: 92 points

  October 17, 2015 - From a 3L bottle. Decanted for 45 minutes. Black fruit which was primarily cherry with leather and cocoa. Finish had nice tannins which were dry and dusty.

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• JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 93 points

  November 19, 2014 - This I loved. Big, rich layered. Dense, thick tannins that were velvety smooth. Long lingering finish that just kept going. Lead pencil, cassis, black cherry all interwoven. Hitting on all cylinders right now. Drink this today.

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• JDV.DDSPHD Likes this wine: 91 points

  January 13, 2014 - I was surprised that this was an 01. To me it was still very youthful and showed no signs of aging. Obviously Chris Carpenter makes these to age gracefully and this just goes to show they have. Big and powerful. I think the age allowed the tannins to soften and round out a bit because I know the last La Jota I had was rough and almost overoaked and massively tannic. While not a knockout it was still very nice and I really enjoyed it. Probably my favorite wine of the night.

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Wine Definition

• Vintage 2001
• Type Red
• Producer La Jota
• Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
• Designation Anniversary Release
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Napa Valley
• Appellation Howell Mountain
• UPC Code 086891077437

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 185 (45%)
• Consumed 224 (55%)

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