2023 La Sangre de Jonata
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Tasting notes
The 2023 La Sangre de Jonata is one of a handful of truly spectacular Syrah bottlings in Santa Barbara County,and the most impressive wine I've tasted from the Jonata team. It derives primarily from own-rooted vines fermented with a portion of whole clusters, blended with 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier and matured for 20 months in 25% new oak. The nose is instantly compelling; it is harmonious, melding a smoldering, savory core with perfumed, lifted floral notes and warming spice notes, set against one of the most intensely black and blue-fruited backdrops imaginable. The palate is the most robust, dense and concentrated in the lineup while maintaining tailored contours despite its colossal frame. It concludes with an outrageously complex, polished, chalky and multifaceted finish that endlessly renews with savory complexity. This is a beastly wine that is commendably refined and remarkably balanced.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
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A blend of 94% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, and 2% Viognier aged 20 months in 35% new oak, the 2023 La Sangre De Jonata is slightly deeper-hued with a more Cornas-like vibe in its red, blue, and black fruits, crushed stone, pepper, violets, and orange blossom-like aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, vibrant mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length. This is up with the finest vintages of this cuvée to date and a wine that will easily keep for two decades in cold cellars. Drink 2025-2045. Jonata continues to produce some of the most compelling wines not only in Ballard Canyon and Santa Barbara County, but all of California. The lineup includes seven wines, starting with Flor, a Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend, and moving through a range of reds that include both Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. The Tierra, made from 100% Sangiovese, has seen remarkable improvement over the past decade and now shows an incredible level of finesse and elegance. The Bordeaux program is particularly strong, with El Alma de Jonata (Cabernet Franc-based), Fenix (Merlot-based), and El Desafio de Jonata (Cabernet Sauvignon-based) all showing world-class quality. The Todos functions as something of an entry-level blend, combining Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Bordeaux varieties (I’ll often call it a kitchen-sink blend), though calling it entry-level sells it short given the quality. La Sangre de Jonata, the estate's flagship Syrah, ranks among the finest expressions of the variety in California. These wines consistently demonstrate the balance between power and elegance that defines all great wines. While these are approachable young, most will benefit from cellaring and have the structure to age for decades.
The 2023 La Sangre de Jonata is the highlight in a range of super-impressive wines from Matt Dees. It's a commanding, jet-black Syrah that overflows with complexity and intrigue. A wine of real gravitas, the 2023 layers mineral energy, black fruit, tobacco savoriness and white pepper lift atop a sumptuous, sexy frame. The increased percentage of older-vine fruit (planted in 2000) in this year's blend brings an extra measure of depth to the table. This is absolutely gorgeous now, but patient readers will enjoy a long, thrilling road ahead.
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.