JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2014 Merlot is a beauty that shows how good this variety can be on its own. Aged 19 months in 76% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it offers classic black cherry and plum fruit as well as complex notes of spice-box, chocolate, and dried flowers. With a ripe, sexy personality, nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and impressive purity of fruit, drink bottles anytime over the coming 15-20 years."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2014 Merlot is 90% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot aged in 76% new French oak. Carpenter told me that this wine emerges from a micro-terroir within the vineyard that has traditionally under-performed, but due to draconian crop-pruning and tiny yields, it has turned out to be a “rock star” in 2014. Dense purple, with a big, sweet kiss of mulberry, chocolate, mocha and coffee, the wine is luscious, fleshy, dramatic and even flamboyant, with fabulous fruit on the attack and mid-palate, silky tannin and a plush, layered mouthfeel. It is already drinking beautifully (as most 2014s are) and will continue to evolve nicely for another 12-15+ years."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Pure and powerful, with intense red berry and dark cherry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity and firm tannins. Dried green herb and spice notes show on the engaging and mineral-filled finish. Best from 2019 through 2022. 1,523 cases made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "La Jota's 2014 Merlot is vibrant and powerful, partly from the inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the blend. A spine of tannin and acidity shapes the wine nicely. Dark plum, cherry, spice, licorice and lavender flesh out in the glass. Unctuous and deep, but with tremendous depth and plenty of mountain character, the 2014 Merlot is a winner from La Jota."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2014 Merlot is 90% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot aged in 76% new French oak. Carpenter told me that this wine emerges from a micro-terroir within the vineyard that has traditionally under-performed, but due to draconian crop-pruning and tiny yields, it has turned out to be a “rock star” in 2014. Dense purple, with a big, sweet kiss of mulberry, chocolate, mocha and coffee, the wine is luscious, fleshy, dramatic and even flamboyant, with fabulous fruit on the attack and mid-palate, silky tannin and a plush, layered mouthfeel. It is already drinking beautifully (as most 2014s are) and will continue to evolve nicely for another 12-15+ years."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Pure and powerful, with intense red berry and dark cherry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity and firm tannins. Dried green herb and spice notes show on the engaging and mineral-filled finish. Best from 2019 through 2022. 1,523 cases made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "La Jota's 2014 Merlot is vibrant and powerful, partly from the inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the blend. A spine of tannin and acidity shapes the wine nicely. Dark plum, cherry, spice, licorice and lavender flesh out in the glass. Unctuous and deep, but with tremendous depth and plenty of mountain character, the 2014 Merlot is a winner from La Jota."
