La Jota, Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon 1988 (1.5L)Into neck; slightly torn label La Jota Vineyard Co. was founded in 1898 by Frederick Hess, an immigrant from Switzerland, who established a German language newspaper in San Francisco. No doubt influenced by other European immigrants involved in California's wine industry, Hess purchased 327 acres on Howell Mountain to plant vineyards. Prohibition did not spare La Jota, and it became one of many "ghost wineries" until Bill Smith purchased it in 1974.