Winemaker Notes
An exotic and dusty nose with focus on cassis, mocha, cedar, dried strawberry, espresso and wild blackberry. Silky, lithe and finely structured.
Blend: 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Two thirds Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Fenix has classic Merlot notes of ripe black cherries and blackcurrants, with lots of chocolate, cedar, and spice, full-bodied, richness, beautiful purity, and a great finish.
Range: 95-97 -
Tasting Panel
Concentrated with lovely, balanced flavors of plum, berries, spice, and hints of toasted oak. 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Concentrated with lovely, balanced flavors of plum, berries, spice, and hints of toasted oak. 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc., 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Jonata is the embodiment of land, soul, and people coming together for a common goal; to produce singular wines from a singular place.
Land – Jonata is a stunning 600 acre property, with 80 acres of estate vineyard on golden rolling hills in Ballard Canyon. High concentrations of Careaga sand run through the estate. A challenging landscape for cultivation and a key element to the qualities of Jonata, pushing our vines to drive deep in search of nutrients.
Soul – Timeless and diverse practices are in place to create health and community at Jonata. Polyface farming practices are implemented to create a diverse and sustainable ecosystem, utilizing a blend of sustainable practices that continue to build the health of Jonata.
People – Since 2004, a consistent team remains at the core. Winemaker Matt Dees & Vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano combine their experiences in winemaking, soil science and farming expertise to help Jonata thrive.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Accounting for only ten percent of the greater Santa Ynez AVA, Ballard Canyon’s north-south orientation provides an ideal pattern of sunshine and martime fog for producing excellent Syrah. While Syrah is planted to half of the total AVA acreage, an additional third is dedicated to other Rhône varieties, red and white.