2018 La Jota Merlot, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley sauvignon blanc and beautifully textured on the

and beautifully textured on the palate

rich and velvety

hint of oyster shell

with wet slate and soil-driven

balanced and classic

2018 La Jota Merlot, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley sauvignon blanc and beautifully textured on theDeep garnet purple colored, the 2017 Merlot Howell Mountain reveals pretty baked plums, blueberry pie and blackberry compote notes with touches of cloves, star anise, cracked black pepper and black soil plus a waft of underbrush. Full bodied, the palate is densely packed with crunchy black fruit layers, framed by very ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and peppery. 94 POINTS ROBERT PARKER