La Jota Vineyard
In the late 19th century, Frederick Hess established La Jota Vineyard on Howell Mountain. After a long dormancy following Prohibition, Bill and Joan Smith revived the property during the 1970s. Jess Jackson is currently owns La Jota.
| Region: | Napa Valley |
|---|---|
| Sub Region: | Howell Mountain |
| Wine: | View all wines |
The history of La Jota Vineyard dates back to the 1880s when Frederick Hess purchased 327 acres from George Yount. Along with the Caymus Rancho on the Napa Valley floor, Yount also received the 4,453 acre La Jota land grant on Howell Mountain.
In 1898, Hess built a stone winery on the property that he named, “Frederick’s Rue,” German for, Frederick’s place of rest. His wines were very popular and he won a bronze medal for the La Jota Vineyard Co. Blanco at the 1900 Paris Exposition.
After Prohibition, the award winning vineyard fell into disrepair for several decades. During the 1970s, Bill and Joan Smith replanted 28 acres of Hess’ original property. After making excellent mountain wines for several years, they sold the vineyard and winery to Markham Vineyards in 2001. Jess Jackson recently purchased La Jota from Markham, and has continued to develop the winery’s reputation.
The 2001 Howell Mountain Petite Sirah is made with 100% estate grapes. It was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. 516 cases were produced. La Jota’s 2001 Cabernet Franc was blended with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged in French oak barrels for 20 months. 351 cases were produced. The 2002 Porcini Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is made with grapes from the Yountville AVA. 782 cases were produced.
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