97 Points - limited Limited new release from Jonata, one of Santa Barbara's most exclusive producers and winemaker Matt Dees. 97 Points Robert Parker: "Deeper and richer, the 2012 La Sangre de Jonata is an incredible looking blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that’s aging in just 35% new French oak. Seeing 10% whole clusters, it’s another serious, savory vintage of this cuvee that has layers of dark fruits, ground pepper, coffee bean, chocolate and hints of iron in its full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, yet balanced and layered personality. While there’s massive tannin here, they stay nicely integrated, and there’s beautiful freshness and purity on the finish as well. It will benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and have 15-20 years of overall longevity. This was another stacked lineup by the team at Jonata, and this is always one of my favorite tastings. However, due to the mouth-damaging levels of tannin and structure these wines show in their youth, this is one tasting I have to schedule at the end of day! Dedicated to expressing a range of red—and a handful of white—wines from its estate in the central coast of California’s Ballard Canyon (Santa Ynez Appellation), Jonata is one of a new breed of producers throughout the world who are thriving with a non-traditional amalgam of varieties and blends. With a commitment in particular to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, and informed by cutting edge viticulture, winemaking, the Jonata wines are on the vanguard of an emerging quality movement in California winegrowing.
Kevin Ortzman
Perfectly balanced with a black peppery dark fruit. This is a special wine.
Perfectly balanced with a black peppery dark fruit. This is a special wine.
9.3Andy Hall
Stunning! Wonderful balance of fruit, acid and tannins. Smooth and silky with a long finish.
Stunning! Wonderful balance of fruit, acid and tannins. Smooth and silky with a long finish.
9.6Billy L.
PNP Great Wine, getting some classic Bacon
PNP Great Wine, getting some classic Bacon
9.6Jarred Abel
Beautiful flavor! Full bodied, spicy, smokey, delicious!
Beautiful flavor! Full bodied, spicy, smokey, delicious!
9.9Gunja Gargeshwari
Did not try but heard good things :(
Did not try but heard good things :(
9.1Jen Woodford
Incredible vintage. Intense dark fruit with pepper, good acidity and lasting finish. Overall very solid wine!
Incredible vintage. Intense dark fruit with pepper, good acidity and lasting finish. Overall very solid wine!
9.5Andrew Notarfrancesco
A bit of time after aeration. Hints of cassis and oak
A bit of time after aeration. Hints of cassis and oak
9.3Darya Rose
2012
2012
8.8WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.