2021 La Jota Merlot, Howell MountainThe 2021 season began with very little rain, and spring and summer were mild. Interestingly, because the heavy wildfire smoke during 2020 decreased the vineyards exposure to sunlight, the vines were set up to give us lower yields in the new season. So for 2021 there is less wine but just phenomenal character. This vintage is a strong example of why Merlot belongs in the mountains. Notes of huckleberry, blueberry, walnut, dried flowers, and sage weave