1991 La Jota Cab. Sauvignon, Howell Mountain

I bought this back in 1994 for $14.99.

Dark purple to the rim; even the froth which forms from a vigorous pouring is almost black. At first, reticent nose (opened and decanted 2 hours earlier) but then (over the course of a two-hour dinner): wet gravel, olive-tapenade, basil/mint, and a lovely plummy richness comes through. Medium/full body with absolutely no heat; an almost Pauillac-like rectitude...real balance and elegance! The wine is still quite tannic, but with more than adequate fruit shining through; it has a lovely earthiness as well (confirming the gravel and olives promised by the smell).

If you love structure, balance, and tannic wines (as I do) this is a lovely, first-class California Cabernet!

I bought this back in 1994 for $14.99.

Dark purple to the rim; even the froth which forms from a vigorous pouring is almost black. At first, reticent nose (opened and decanted 2 hours earlier) but then (over the course of a two-hour dinner): wet gravel, olive-tapenade, basil/mint, and a lovely plummy richness comes through. Medium/full body with absolutely no heat; an almost Pauillac-like rectitude...real balance and elegance! The wine is still quite tannic, but with more than adequate fruit shining through; it has a lovely earthiness as well (confirming the gravel and olives promised by the smell).

If you love structure, balance, and tannic wines (as I do) this is a lovely, first-class California Cabernet!

The Smiths who owned La Jota in those days made some really great cabs. Still have a few left in my cellar.