2014 La Jota Vineyard Co., Merlot, Howell Mountain -750ML

93–95 Points

A strong vintage for Napa Valley hillside fruit, with 2014 delivering structure, depth, and polish across top sites.

Perched high on Howell Mountain, La Jota is one of Napa Valley’s historic mountain estates, renowned for producing structured, age-worthy wines with distinct mineral tension. The 2014 Merlot reflects the vintage’s balance of ripeness and freshness, offering a more lifted, refined expression compared to richer valley-floor counterparts while maintaining the estate’s signature intensity.

Blend: Predominantly Merlot with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Aromas of black plum, crushed blackberry, and cassis lead into notes of cedar, graphite, and dried mountain herbs. The palate is layered and precise, showing dark fruit concentration framed by firm, fine-grained tannins, with hints of cocoa, espresso, and volcanic minerality on the finish.
Structure: Concentrated and structured with elevated tannins typical of mountain-grown Merlot
Drink Window: 2022–2036

Decanting:
Decant for 1–2 hours to allow the wine’s structure to soften and aromatics to fully open, particularly in its current stage of development.

This is a compelling choice for collectors seeking a more structured, terroir-driven expression of Napa Merlot. Equally suited for cellaring or pairing with refined, savory dishes, it offers both immediate depth and long-term potential in a polished, mountain-grown style.