The 2019 La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust offering from Napa's esteemed Howell Mountain sub-appellation. This red wine, primarily composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon alongside small proportions of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, showcases the depth and complexity expected of its region.
James Suckling offers high praise, scoring it 95 points and describing it as "solid as a rock and gorgeous," with distinctive notes of "lead pencil and dark fruit with wet earth." He highlights its full-bodied nature and velvety tannins, suggesting it is "already beautiful" even though it needs time to fully open.
Jeb Dunnuck echoes the sentiment, giving the wine a 94+ score and noting its "gorgeous crème de cassis, plums, graphite, crushed stone and tobacco" profile. He emphasizes its rich, medium to full-bodied concentration and suggests a few years of aging to develop its full potential.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awards it 94 points, remarking on its "ripe and rich" character, with cassis, cinnamon, and cedar nuances. The publication commends its full-bodied and velvety texture, making it "remarkably easy to drink," with a long, mouthwatering finish.
The Wine Independent agrees with a 95-point rating, highlighting its deep garnet-purple color and complex aroma of "blackcurrant pastilles, plum preserves, and chocolate-covered cherries." The review suggests a sultry, savory character unique to the 2019 vintage.
Vinous stands out with a 96-point score, lauding the wine's richness and explosive nature, and highlighting its "tremendous density and plenty of mountain power." The wine is described as possessing a "huge finish" with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and spice.
Wine Spectator rounds out the reviews with a 93-point evaluation, noting its "ripe, but compact and restrained" feel, with a blend of raspberry, blackberry, and mulberry fruit.
Overall, the 2019 La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex and promising wine, worthy of attention from enthusiasts and collectors alike.