1986 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Selection

The 1986 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon still boasts an opaque dark garnet color. In addition, it remains tannic, backward, and youthful. The wine possesses admirable power and richness, but it is interesting to contrast the type of tannin in the 1986 (astringent, bitter, hard, and intrusive) with the style of tannin La Jota has achieved since 1992 (sweet, well-integrated, and ripe). This wine may turn out to be outstanding, but it is no sure bet, particularly when compared to their gorgeously opulent, complex, rich, 1986 Cabernet Franc. In spite of being powerfully endowed with considerable levels of fruit, extract, glycerin, and tannin, my instincts suggest this Cabernet Sauvignon will always possess an excess of tannin. I would continue to age this wine for another 2-3 years, hoping for some softening; drink it over the following 10-15 years. The tasting notes for this section are from two single blind tastings, one conducted in May, 1996, in California, and the other in June, 1996, in Baltimore.