Jonata Winery La Sangre de Jonata Ballard Canyon Syrah 2019

97 Points - limited                                  Limited new release from Jonata, one of Santa Barbara's most exclusive producers and winemaker Matt Dees. 97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lastly, the 2019 La Sangre De Jonata (91% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, and 3% Viognier) sports a similar dense purple hue as well as stunning blueberry and blackberry fruits intermixed with awesome graphite, ground pepper, liquid violet, and iron-like aromas and flavors. Stunningly pure, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has the more focused, structured style of this estate front and center as well as incredible purity and a finish that won't quit. This is brilliant all the way, and while it has some appeal today, it will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and, I suspect, have two decades of overall longevity." 97 Points Robert Parker: "Deeper and richer, La Jonata 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.  

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