2012 Jonata La Tierra de Jonata
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Tierra is an attractive wine, but over the last year it has acquired a deeper, darker register that wasn't present at the outset and that masks some of the varietal character. Drink this powerful Sangiovese-based red over the next handful of years. A dollop of Syrah rounds out the blend. The Tierra was aged mostly in larger format French oak barrels, 25% new. Not surprisingly, most of the Sangiovese at Jonata has now been ripped out. The wines, while pretty, also appear to have been a bit unpredictable.
Critic scores
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Made from 100% Sangiovese from Ballard Canyon, the 2012 La Tierra de Jonata has a vivid ruby/semi-opaque color to go with beautiful cherry and strawberry fruits, spice, licorice and crushed flowers. A medium to full-bodied red, it has terrific purity and integrated acidity, both of which give it an elegant, seamless style that's surprisingly approachable. Drink it anytime over the coming 8-9 years.
Jonata's 2012 Tierra, 100% Sangiovese in this vintage, is bright, floral and lifted. The flavors are incredibly precise in this vivid, varietally true Sangiovese. Sweet red berries, mint, flowers and cinnamon are layered into an expressive finish with no hard edges and tons of sheer appeal.
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.