2018 La Jota Merlot, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley russian river and redcurrant jelly followed by

and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest

affordable Chardonnay from Burgundy

and red rose petal alongside earthier tones of graphite

lemon zest

Aromas: Fresh strawberries

2018 La Jota Merlot, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley russian river and redcurrant jelly followed byDeep 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