Winemaker Notes
Lemongrass, key lime, tarragon, mint and lemon bar.Remarkably rich and generous on the palate with acharming stone fruit element. Honeyed and also salty.Brings to mind preserved lemon rind. So expansive, butinherently green and glowing. Absolutely sparkles withvibration and luminous energy. Great horizontal push andexpansion. Dusted with fine grained tannins and builtaround a core of bracing acidity that combine heroicallyto push the fruit further and further. An extrovert in 2022,but fair to say that this is still holding a number of cardsclose to the chest. There is a lot to discover and uncoverhere in the years to come. A recent revisit to the 2005Flor gave us some eye-opening perspective on the ageingpotential of our single sandy parcel sauvignon blanc.
Blend: 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sémillon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A complex, layered and age-worthy white that is so tangy, fruity and mineral-rich at the same time. Chalky, citrusy and saline flavors on a medium body. Blended with 15% semillon. Fresh, linear, crunchy and long in the finish. Has a reputation for developing well with time.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Rocking Bordeaux Blanc-like notes of crushed citrus, pineapple, honeyed flower, and sweet mint all emerge from the 2022 Flor, a medium-bodied, concentrated, balanced white that has terrific purity of fruit, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. A blend of 85% sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon, it's perfect for drinking over the coming 4-6 years, if not longer.
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Vinous
The 2022 Flor, Jonata's blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sémillon, is rich and expansive in the glass. Citrus peel, chamomile, dried flowers and spice reveal themselves with a bit of time in the glass. Saline notes appear with more air. All the elements are so well balanced in this hugely distinctive white.
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.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.