2019 El Desafio de Jonata
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Tasting notes
The 2019 El Desafio de Jonata is one of the most complete wines I have tasted from Jonata. It is exceptionally harmonious for such a young wine, a big departure from the days when these wines were pretty monolithic at a similar stage. Inky dark red/purplish berry fruit, lavender and spice meld together in a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine that marries unctuous fruit and freshness, with polished tannins to wrap it all up. The ability to make wine in a new, state of the art facility seems to have really paid off.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine in the lineup, the 2019 El Desafio De Jonata has a dense, regal, structured, and full-bodied style to go with matching powerful black fruits as well as notes of crushed stone, lead pencil, and iron nuances. It's another impressive, rich, structured beauty that does everything right, although it's not for the instant gratification crowd. Give it 3-4 years if you can, and it's going to cruise for a solid 15+ from cold cellars.
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.