1992 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Anniversary Release- USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (4/5/2020)
Much darker Then expected, even for HM. Looks more like something from the early 2000’s. Only a hint of lighting at the edges. The nose eventually developed, after a couple of hours into a fairly powerful bouquet of red fruits that went from more sweet (think cherry rhubarb pie with mint) to more savory and slightly darker fruited as it aired with notes of burnt embers/pain grille, high class pipe tobacco, cassis and earth. Palate ended up fairly smooth and balanced after it opened, where as it started out a bit acidic. The finish was long and detailed. What a couple of hours can make. It it went from a semi-boring singular typical Cabernet to a highly complex detailed expression of what Howell Mountain can do at its best. (95 pts.)
Picked up 6 bottles of 1997 La Jota Anniversary tonight in the Acker weekly auction for $83/bottle all in including BP. I’ve had the '92 and '93 and love them. Excited to have some of the 97’s on hand to try soon.
RandyC - at this price this in not even bargain, this is STEAL!! If I could have a chance to buy at least 1 bottle of 97’ at 120 USD I would call myself as lucky man. La Jota Anniversay of Helen Turey era (91-97) is on my bucket list. Unfortunately in Europe this is impossible to do…