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Lava Cap Winery is located in the El Dorado AVA of the Sierra Foothills. Tom Jones is the winemaker and Charlie Jones is the vineyard manager.

Lava Cap Winery makes a number of estate wines from grapes grown on their own property. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, and Muscat Canelli. My favorite is their Reserve Merlot. 1,200 cases of this wine were made in 2002. It is aged in French oak and has ripe fruit flavors.

The Wine Enthusiast recently gave the Lava Cap 2003 Cabernet Franc Reserve a score of 93. This is saying a lot, because the majority of single varietal Cab Franc produced in California is not critically acclaimed. Only 90 cases of this exquisite wine were made, and it is only available at the winery or through the mailing list. But this will give you a good reason to visit Lava Cap is person.

Lava Cap also makes an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit sourced from Stromberg-Carpenter Vineyards. This property is located at 3,200 feet above sea level and is one of the most elevated in all of California. The Stromberg Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are both excellent wines and are priced very well.

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Comments & Reviews

April 16, 2007 | Brad Jones

One of my favorites in the Sierra Foothills. I really like their Cab Franc and Mourvedre.

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