2016 El Desafio de Jonata

Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, the 2016 El Desafio de Jonata is one of the more firm, focused wines in the lineup. Classic Cabernet blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed rock-like notes all flow to a concentrated, powerful, tannic wine that has considerable baby fat as well as length. It's not going to hit prime time until after a decade of bottle age, but it's a beautiful, remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Barbara County that will keep for two decades.

Cabernet Sauvignon takes the leading role in the 2016 El Desafio de Jonata. Graphite, crushed rocks, sage, smoke, lavender and grilled herbs abound in this super-expressive wine. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2016 packs a serious punch. Readers should be prepared to cellar it for at least a few years. A whole range of floral and savory notes round things out in style. The 2016 is compelling. That's pretty much all there is to it.

The 2016 El Desafio de Jonata, the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, is endowed with terrific energy, focus and cut. Grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, lavender and exotic spice notes abound. Vertical in feel and structured to the core, the 2016 will need at least a few years to come into its own. Even so, it is super-impressive today.