La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a Howell Mountain Bordeaux-blend Cabernet from Napa Valley bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 97 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this vintage stands among the finest modern expressions from one of Napa's most storied mountain estates.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: La Jota Vineyard Co.

Production & Heritage

La Jota Vineyard Co. farms high-elevation sites between 1,400 and 2,000 feet on Howell Mountain, well above the Napa Valley fog line. The volcanic ash and red clay soils at this altitude stress the vines into producing small, intensely concentrated berries. The 2018 blend—80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot—was aged for 22 months in oak barrels, 84% of which were new. Winemaker Chris Carpenter, who also oversees Lokoya and Cardinale, produced just 3,997 cases of this vintage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bombastic black currant and boysenberry, layered over darker tones of graphite, tobacco leaf, and cedar pencil. Violets and a hint of dark chocolate add aromatic complexity as the wine breathes.

Taste: Entry is dense and full-bodied, delivering concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit up front. The mid-palate deepens with iron, crushed rock, and smoky graphite—hallmarks of Howell Mountain's volcanic terroir. Massive yet structured tannins provide the framework, while the Merlot and Cabernet Franc components contribute a subtle fleshiness that keeps the wine from veering into austerity.

Finish: Lengthy and powerful, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, asphalt, and fine-grained mineral dust. The tannins persist with impressive grip, signaling serious aging potential.

How to Drink La Jota 2018

Pour this wine neat into a large-bowled Bordeaux glass and allow at least 60 to 90 minutes of decanting; the 2018 is reductive on opening and rewards patience. While primarily a wine to enjoy on its own or with food, its full-bodied structure pairs exceptionally with grilled dishes. A classic Cabernet-and-steak pairing works beautifully—try it alongside a bone-in ribeye with rosemary-smoked jus, a braised short rib with red wine reduction, or lamb loin chops finished with a blackberry demi-glace.

Best For

• Cellaring for long-term aging—the tannic structure and concentration suggest a 15- to 20-year drinking window
• Gifting a serious Napa Valley collector who appreciates mountain-grown Cabernet
• Pairing with a multi-course steak dinner or holiday prime rib
• Adding a 97-point wine to a vertical tasting or curated collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does La Jota 2018 taste like? La Jota 2018 delivers intensely concentrated black currant, blackberry, and cassis fruit underpinned by graphite, iron, crushed rock, and dark chocolate. It is full-bodied with massive tannins and pronounced volcanic minerality characteristic of Howell Mountain.

How does La Jota 2018 compare to Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet? Both wines are made by winemaker Chris Carpenter from Howell Mountain fruit and share a powerful, mineral-driven profile. Lokoya typically commands a significantly higher price point—often around $450—while La Jota is widely regarded as delivering comparable mountain Cabernet intensity at a more accessible tier.

Is La Jota 2018 good for sipping neat? Yes, this is a wine built for focused, unhurried drinking on its own or alongside rich food. Generous decanting is recommended, as the wine opens slowly and reveals its full aromatic range over time.

Where is La Jota 2018 made? La Jota Vineyard Co. is located on Howell Mountain in the northeastern hills of Napa Valley, California. The estate vineyards sit between 1,400 and 2,000 feet in elevation on volcanic ash and red clay soils.

What foods pair well with La Jota 2018? Grilled bone-in ribeye steak complements the wine's smoky minerality. Braised short ribs in red wine sauce mirror its dark fruit depth. Roasted rack of lamb with herbs echoes the cedar and tobacco notes. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda provide a textural contrast to the firm tannins. Dark chocolate desserts bridge naturally with the wine's cocoa undertones.

What sizes does La Jota 2018 come in? La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is La Jota 2018 worth the price? La Jota positions as a premium Howell Mountain Cabernet that consistently scores in the mid-90s from major critics—97 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for this vintage. Considering that comparable wines from the same winemaker, such as Lokoya and Cardinale, command substantially higher prices, La Jota represents strong value within the upper tier of Napa mountain Cabernet.

Why La Jota 2018?

The 2018 vintage earned 97 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 from James Suckling, and 95+ from Vinous—a consensus that places it among the top-scoring La Jota releases in recent memory. Chris Carpenter's dual expertise with Lokoya and Cardinale informs a winemaking approach that channels Howell Mountain's volcanic terroir without softening or over-extracting. With only 3,997 cases produced and tannins that suggest decades of cellar life, the 2018 is a benchmark mountain Cabernet from a vintage that delivered outstanding conditions across Napa Valley. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking serious Howell Mountain character backed by critical validation, this wine earns its place at the table.