Jonata Wine Tasting - Woodman Wines & Spirits
Date: Mar 18/11, Fri Time: 02:30:00-08:30:00 Style: Drop-In
Jonata Wine Tasting - Our friends at Woodman Wines & Spirits brought us an exclusive tasting with winemaker Matt Dees of Jonata. Making its Canadian debut in Vintages, this remarkable Santa Ynez winery has been crafting some of California's most compelling wines.
In the words of Robert Parker: “This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge. The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling.”
The following wines were available for sampling:
2006 Jonata Todos Red
Vintages Release Date: March 19, 2011, Vintages No. 218941; $59.95
39% Syrah, 35% Cab Sauv, 11% Sangiovese, and the rest Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, and Viognier
Parker: 95-97 "Profound, sexy aromas of smoked duck, soy, blackberries, pepper, and a hint of spring flowers are followed by an exotic, full-bodied, voluptuously textured wine bursting with complexity and richness. A subtle smoky, meaty component is present in the deep, dark blackberry flavors. Long, rich, and pure, this stunning 2006 should drink beautifully for 10-15+ years".
2005 El Corazon de Jonata
Vintages Release Date: March 19, 2011, Vintages No. 218917; $59.95
41% Syrah, 30% Cab Sauv, 11% Cab Franc, 11% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Sauv Blanc
Parker: 94 "The overall impression is one of a sensual/seductive wine… copious amounts of blue, red, and black fruits interwoven with truffle, charcoal, and graphite scents. This full-bodied, powerful 2005 offers both significant flavor authority and elegance. It will last for 15 or more years".
2006 El Alma de Jonata
Vintages Release: February Classics Catalogue, Vintages No. 218925; $145
Parker: 95 "Perhaps the greatest Cabernet Franc being made in California… The amazing 2006, a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and a dollop of Merlot, tastes like a liquid version of haute couture from Chanel. It possesses nobility, grace, and remarkable complexity…"
2006 El Desafio de Jonata
Vintages Release Date: February Classics Catalogue, Vintages No. 218993; $145
Parker: 94-96 "A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot. A beautiful black/purple color is accompanied by stunning aromas of crème de cassis, graphite, camphor, and incense. It exhibits tremendous intensity, beautiful sweet fruit, full-bodied power as well as purity, and a finish that lasts 45+ seconds. This amazing effort is the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine ever made in the Santa Ynez appellation".
2006 The Paring Red
Vintages Release Date: March 19, 2011, Vintages No. 218909; $32.95
53% Cab Sauv, 42% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot aged in 75% new French oak. 1,163 cases made.
Winemaker's comments: "This primarily Bordeaux-inspired blend shows the sanguine, focused fruit and shapely tannins that we’ve come to expect from the sandy soils and slightly cooler mesoclimate of this outstanding vineyard site".
2008 The Paring Pinot Noir
Vintages Release Date: March 19, 2011, Vintages No. 218958; $32.95
70% old vine, 30% young vine Pinot Noir. 40% new French oak for 11 months. No fining and filtration. 650 cases made.
Winemaker's comments: "The 2008 exhibits the haunting earthiness that only old vines can produce. Classic Pinot Noir nose of brambles, cherry and spice combined with exotic and brooding aromas of black fruit, smoke, tapenade, grilled meat and sanguine notes".
Wow, what a tasting!
www.jonata.com
