2008 El Desafio de Jonata
Buying options
Tasting notes
From a cooler vintage, the 2008 El Desafio de Jonata offers lots of tobacco leaf, darker fruits, underbrush, lead pencil shavings and herbs in a full-bodied, Pauillac-like, structured, tannic style. It's beautifully done and needs further cellaring to really hit prime time, but it’s more than a little impressive. The blend of the 2008 is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and it spent the usual 20 months in 80% new barrels. Based out of Ballard Canyon and run by superstar winemaker Matt Dees (Michel Rolland also consults here), Jonata makes a bevy of brilliant wines from Rhône, Bordeaux, and Burgundian varieties. The El Desafio de Jonata release is the Cabernet Sauvignon-based release, and it normally includes upwards of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The elevage is in plenty of new oak, yet I rarely find any noticeable oak in the cuvee. The 2005 is just now entering its prime drink window, and this is unquestionably one of the longest-lived cuvees coming out of Santa Barbara today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest an assortment of varieties, the 2008 El Desafio de Jonata shows more gamey, herb and spice as well as bright acidity, full-bodied power and a superb texture. Not quite at the level of the 2007, it’s nevertheless a brilliant Cabernet that will have 15+ years of longevity. Drink now-2023+. This was an incredible tasting with winemaker Matt Dees. This estate continues to produce some of the most impressive, long-lived wines in Santa Barbara. As I’ve learned from past tasting, it’s always best to schedule this appointment at the end of the day as these effort have no shortage of tannin and can wreak havoc on one’s palate. While I’ve routinely tasted the La Sangre de Jonata for a number of years now, it was great to be able to go back through past vintages of this estate’s other wines. In addition to these efforts bottled under the Jonata label, I was also able to taste their The Hilt and The Pairing releases, both of which are also reviewed in this report (and highly recommended).
(84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% merlot): Glass-staining purple. Seductively perfumed nose displays black and blue fruits, mocha, vanilla and incense, along with a strong suggestion of candied rose. Offers a suave marriage of density and energy, with intense flavors of dark berry compote, chewing tobacco, spicecake and floral pastilles. Finishes chewy and sweet, with integrated tannins and strong lingering spiciness.
The 2008 El Desafio de Jonata is layered with fresh, vibrant dark blackberries, blueberries, licorice, spices and leather. It shows marvelous intensity all the way through to the long, resonant finish. A blast of dark fruit, grilled herbs and cassis lingers on the close. In 2008 Desafio is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot.
About the producer
Jonata is amongst a handful of truly exciting wineries from Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara – a unique fine wine region of incredible versatility.