2019 LA JOTA HOWELL MOUNTAIN CABERNET FRANC Swiss newspaperman Frederick Hess founded La Jota Vineyard Co. on Howell Mountain in 1898. His "Blanco" won a bronze medal at the Paris Exposition in 1900. However, Prohibition ended winemaking at La Jota until the mid-1970s when oilman Bill Smith acquired the estate and replanted the vines, restoring the winery's historic pedigree and bonding it in 1982. 2005 ushered in a new chapter, and Chris Carpenter became the winemaker at La Jota. A master of mountain-grown fruit, Carpenter has crafted legendary vintages at Lokoya and Cardinale. The La Jota estate has some of the oldest phylloxera-resistant Cabernet Franc vines in Napa Valley, planted on St. George rootstock over 40 years ago. The 2019 release is a modern expression of the La Jota estate's unique terroir, embodying the charm and spice of the variety with great intensity. Additional Reviews: "The 2019 Cabernet Franc is fabulous. Rich, deep and soaring in its aromatics, the Franc is loaded with pedigree. Readers will find a potent, structured wine that needs a lot of time. The 2019 is a blend taken from both the W.S. Keyes and La Jota properties. Drink 2024-2034." 94 Points "The 2019 Cabernet Franc comes 50/50 from the Keyes vineyard, with old vines dating back to 1976, and La Jota vineyard. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little subdued to begin, opening out to reveal notes of redcurrant jelly, fresh blackberries, and black cherries, plus hints of charcoal, underbrush, and red roses with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is finely grained with superb freshness and electric intensity, finishing with amazing length and shimmering energy." 94 Points