Napa Valley

Full

Cork

Winemaker Chris Carpenter believes the energy of mountain sunlight, combined with the right balance of Napa soils, creates ideal conditions for Merlot with both depth and structure. A small proportion of Petit Verdot is layered in for savouriness and a tannic backbone, complementing the naturally luscious character of the Merlot fruit. Grapes are sourced from the La Jota Vineyard Co. and Keyes Vineyard estate vineyards. Fermentation takes place in open-top stainless steel tanks using native yeasts, with pump-overs and basket pressing. Carpenter personally tastes every basket press cut, making precise, hands-on decisions throughout. The wine is then aged for 22 months in 73% new French oak. When asked whether he considers his wines more acid-driven or tannin-driven, Carpenter explains that the energy of the wine comes from very fresh acidity, while the chewiness of the tannins (derived from mountain-grown fruit) provides the structure. Acidity, he notes, is a defining feature of mountain wines overall, while tannins vary markedly from site to site. In this vintage, the wine is ultra-concentrated yet remarkably cool-toned, showing a subtle minty freshness alongside ironstone minerality—very much the 'iron fist in a velvet glove' metaphor. Ultra-fine tannins underpin almost unbelievable power, carrying layers of intoxicating fruit richness and Asian spice through a long, commanding, and beautifully balanced finish.

Merlot

Petit Verdot

La Jota Vineyard Co, Merlot, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2023

Winemaker Chris Carpenter believes the energy of mountain sunlight, combined with the right balance of Napa soils, creates ideal

La Jota Vineyard Co, Merlot, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

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