Jonata La Sangre de Jonata 2011

Even at this early stage, it immediately jumps out of the glass aromatically. It displays some similarity at this stage to its older sibling, the legendary 2008. This is the first Sangre to include significant amounts of passito-style dried and whole cluster fermented wines (20%) and also a dollop of Grenache (6%). The resulting notes of dried herbs on the nose and the blast of ripe red fruit on the palate are a welcome addition to the simultaneously chaotic and focused mélange that is Sangre. After all this exotic talk of stem inclusion, drying fruit and Grenache additions, it is remarkable to note that this is the most reserved and elegant of all of the Sangre blends to date. It is beyond perfumed on the nose, but remains tightly coiled on the palate. With time in glass it opens to showcase peeks of velvet and plush richness on the mid palate. The earthy side of Syrah also plays a large role. It is soft and supple with remarkably fine tannins. This is a special Sangre.

Blend: 91% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 3% Viognier