Winemaker Notes
Classic example of JONATA’s red, black and green.Cacao, scorched earth and espresso bean. Dark anddusty. Cacao nibs. Chicory coffee. Dried figs. Herbal mintand sage. Like the other 2019 reds, this is defined by afeeling that is dark and brooding, but so alluring. Classicmerlot nose. Powerful and chalky. So persistent with gooddensity and force. Lifted and toasty. A bit reminiscent ofthe elegant 2014 in its tightness and structure, but in theend, it is a more powerful and complete blend. A bundleof energy for sure. Still tightly coiled, but ultimatelyperfectly endowed and balanced.
Blend: 51% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
Vinous
The 2019 Fenix is painfully young. Then again, it was just bottled a few weeks before this tasting. It is unusually tight for a Merlot-based red. That's probably a very good thing for the future. In this tasting, the 2019 is a bundle of energy. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months. There is plenty of verve here, not to mention tons of class.
Rating:95+ -
Jeb Dunnuck
I always love this cuvée, and the 2019 Fenix checks in as 51% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Lots of mulberries, redcurrants, black cherries, tobacco, leafy herbs, and tapenade are just some of the nuances here, and this fleshy, full-bodied, textured beauty has ripe, integrated tannins, a solid spine of freshness and acidity, and a great finish. Give it a few years and drink over the following decade or more.
-
James Suckling
Aromas of graphite, currant, and lead pencil. Black olives. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and hints of green olives, sage and other herbs.
-
Tasting Panel
Concentrated with lovely, balanced flavors of plum, berries, spice, and hints of toasted oak.
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.