The just-released 1992s from La Jota are stunning. The 1992 Cabernet Franc boasts a penetrating bouquet of jammy black-cherries, flowers, and subtle notes of mint, and a soft, voluptuously-textured, medium to full-bodied palate. The wine is deliciously forward, already exhibiting surprising complexity, and is ideal for drinking now and over the next 12-15 years. It is one of the finest Cabernet Francs I have yet to taste from California. La Jota's twenty acres of vineyards situated high up on Howell Mountain behind the small village of Angwin has consistently proven to be a superb source for red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. That production has been recently supplemented by a good Viognier, a frequently superb Petite Sirah (made from purchased grapes from Dunn's Park-Muscatine Vineyard), and most recently an impressively rich Chardonnay and two Pinot Noirs from Sonoma. Like a number of California's wineries, La Jota has had four great vintages in a row, not including 1994, a year that many are calling the vintage of the century for Napa Cabernet. Tel. (707) 965-3020; Fax (707) 965-0324.

Well oaked but not overdone, with buttery, spicy overtones and a pretty core of currant and cherry flavors that fan out. 350 cases made.??–null??Region: California / Napa / Howell Mountain Select to Add