2013 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Community Tasting Note

wineotim Likes this wine:

93 Points

Monday, April 8, 2019 - I was concerned when I saw some recent reviews of this wine...calling it thin, so I opened mine. I would not characterize this as thin, I would instead call it intense. A wine doesn't have to be heavy or full to be better, this wine did not disappoint, it is light on its feet and provides big and intense dark fruit flavors. Don't look for richness here, expect tightly coiled fruit. The tannins are built for the long haul for sure, but this is Howell Mt. fruit so there you go. I give the scoring edge to the '14 vintage, it had a bit more depth. Two days to finish.

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7 comments have been posted

Comment posted by Mark1npt:

4/8/2019 6:38:00 PM - I agree with your assessment, Tim. Not sure why others are calling it thin. Methinks some people feel big, thick and syrupy means good.
Comment posted by sfwinelover1:

8/26/2019 7:09:00 PM - Agree with both you and Mark (who've both written in response to my TNs). I just had a jeriboam of the 2004, and others said both that it was thin and tired, and I thought it was neither. These guys make balanced, structured cabs in a style which nods as much to Bordeaux as Napa, and they do it well.
Comment posted by Mark1npt:

8/26/2019 7:36:00 PM - sfwl1......it's quality fruit in the hands of a quality winemaker for sure. It's just not the heavy Cali fruit bomb that some expect after having cabs of that type out of Napa. Too bad, it is often overlooked by the unknowing but that leaves more of it for you and me. I loaded up on an extra allocation of the '16 coming out soon....97 pts. Highest score they've had in a number of years.
Comment posted by wineotim:

8/27/2019 4:30:00 AM - I'll be looking for the '15 and '16.
Comment posted by sfwinelover1:

8/27/2019 5:21:00 AM - Very high scores for the '15 as well. Alas, I see prices have crept up, but if I can get my hands on a bottle or two, would be a worthwhile splurge. Mark and I were previously in touch about the '05 Merus. Although I scored both that and the '04 LJ the same, I probably enjoyed the latter more (and because it's not as heavy, could drink it more frequently and with more foods), not to mention a better price point.
Comment posted by Motz:

11/21/2019 5:11:00 PM - Just bought a Magnum of this at a good price. I know I should hold it, but Wow!...do I want to taste it!
Comment posted by Mark1npt:

11/21/2019 6:27:00 PM - Motz, still young with plenty of tannins....can go a long time but I've had some, too (94 pts).....enjoy!