2021 El Alma de Jonata
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Tasting notes
The 2021 El Alma de Jonata unwinds rapidly in the glass, revealing charred, herbal, black plum, turned earth and dark chocolate aromas. The palate is velvety and sumptuous yet manages to retain a classy reticence. This beautiful texture opens up and confidently segues to a decadent, sturdy and immensely structured finish that cascades with layered, assertive yet focused tannins and massive fruit intensity. The burnished control on display presents the wine nicely without fully buffing out its wild edges. This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2021 El Alma de Jonata is dense and powerful, but also very young. There is some youthful austerity that needs time to soften, and yet all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, cedar, mint and spice all race throughout this sumptuous, super-expressive Cabernet Franc-based blend. Franc aromatics are especially prominent on the finish. Give this time.
One of my favorite cuvées from this estate, the 2021 El Alma De Jonata checks in as 80% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Reminding me of a great vintage of Château Figeac, it has a gorgeous perfume of red and black fruits, spring flowers, lead pencil, and smoked tobacco. With medium to full body, gorgeously polished, integrated tannins, and an incredible finish, it already offers pleasure yet will ideally be hidden in the cellar for 4-5 years. It will have 20-25+ years of overall longevity.
The 2021 El Alma de Jonata is dense and powerful, but also very young. There is some youthful austerity that needs time to soften, and yet all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, cedar, mint and spice all race throughout this sumptuous, super-expressive Cabernet Franc-based blend. Franc aromatics are especially prominent on the finish. Give this time.
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.