Softer than the 2007, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an elegant offering displaying notes of minerals, black currants, unsmoked cigar tobacco and herbs. This medium to full-bodied Cabernet is ideal for drinking over the next decade. Since being acquired by Jess Jackson, La Jota Vineyard Co. has been a work in progress. The very strong 2007s have been followed by very good 2008s, so, hopefully, this well-known estate, which made some phenomenal wines in the mid-nineties, is back on track. Tel. (877) 222-0292; Fax (866) 853-1707