Napa Valley AVA
Chardonnay
Christopher Carpenter
About 125 years ago, two men, Winfield S. Keyes and Frederick Hess, had the foresight to plant vineyards on Howell Mountain just a mile from each other. The W.S. Keyes Vineyard was planted in 1888, and ten years later, fellow Howell Mountain pioneer Frederick Hess established the La Jota Vineyard, Co. The rocky, shallow soils, the abundance of wind and fog, and the remoteness of Howell Mountain terroir were reminiscent of Europe where some of the best wines in the world were being produced. Keyes and Hess believed that Napa Valley could
achieve the same distinction – and they were right. Both men achieved recognition for their wines at the Paris Exposition of 1900, bringing instant fame to Howell Mountain. Built of stone in 1898, the La Jota Vineyard Co. continues the legacy of crafting world-renowned wines from Howell Mountain, including this single-vineyard estate Chardonnay, sourced from the W.S. Keyes Vineyard, one of the last great Chardonnay blocks on Howell Mountain.
The vineyard sits at an elevation of 1,600 feet, well above the fog that frequently rolls into Napa Valley in the evening, resulting in nights that are slightly warmer than those in the valley below. Meanwhile, the high altitude keeps daytime temperatures cooler. Harvest comes later, and the long hang-times allow for the development of deep, complex flavors. Having less than 10% new oak, and most of the texture coming from 22-months of stirring on the lees, this wine’s purpose is showcasing the Chardonnay variety. The screaming minerality that would have been masked by oak is the terroir of Howell Mountain shining through.
This wine showcases the Chardonnay variety first and foremost while bringing the Howell Mountain terroir to life. With screaming minerality, refreshing acidity, and notes of white peach, crisp pear, and freshly baked bread, this is a Chardonnay that is ready to drink now, but also built to age.
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