2010 Todos

Looking at the entry level effort, and almost making me wonder why you would pony up the money for the La Sangre when you can get this level of quality at less than half the price, the 2010 Todos, which is over 75% Syrah, offers up knockout aromas and flavors, full-bodied richness and a seamless, layered profile that is hard to resist. Blackberry liqueur, caramelized beef, chocolate and flowers are just some of the nuances here and this pure, polished 2010 can be enjoyed now or cellared for a decade. Drink now-2020. 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). Tel. (805) 564-8581; www.jonata.com

The appropriately named 2010 Todos is drop-dead gorgeous. Jammy dark fruit, grilled herbs and spices all flesh out in this succulent, intense red. Sensual and polished through to the finish, Todos is once again terrific in 2010. I especially like the way the 2010 brightens up with air. The blend is 78% Syrah, 8% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus a dollop of another half-dozen or so grapes.

Jonata's Todos is once again striking in 2010. There is less overt juiciness in the 2010 next to the 2009, but just as much personality and class. In this vintage, the percentage of Syrah is quite high (78%), but it is ultimately the wine's minerality that gives shape to the focus and sheer energy in the glass. Black olive tapenade, violets and menthol wrap around the finish. The rest of the blend is composed of 8% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and drops of Viognier, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.