Edition 13 | February 2016

Greetings from the Mountain Wine Club!

Our grapevines have to struggle to thrive throughout the growing season in the rugged conditions on Howell Mountain and Mt. Veeder. Over the winter, though, they rest. It's the time of year when we work with our trellising, encourage cover crops like crimson clover and alyssum, and—by February—finish up winter pruning. And at this time of year, as we eagerly anticipate the first sign of budbreak, we appreciate that mountain vineyards enjoy a lower risk of frost than vines down on the valley floor.

This shipment includes two stunning Merlot wines from the nearly perfect 2012 vintage. La Jota Howell Mountain Merlot derives its cocoa/chocolate characters from the lean volcanic soils and its deep, black cherry expression and broader tannins from the sunnier vineyard blocks. Grapes for Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Merlot come from elevations reaching from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. This wine has deep black cherry and ripe huckleberry aromas and flavors layered with notes of mocha and Cuban cigar. The rich fruit is balanced by structure and acidity for a mouthwatering finish.