Chris Zitzman

10

Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can. — 12 hours ago

Chris Zitzman

9.7

The Jonata “Flor” is a damn good reason to fall back in love with Sauvignon Blanc (wish a dash of Semillon). Fresh and crisp yet lush and silky- all at the same time. And it evolves. From the nose to every bit of the palate, the “Flor” is a masterpiece. — 10 months ago

with Beth

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Bordeaux Blend from the same team that offers Jonata Wines. Dark purple color. Aromas of black currant and blackberry along with pencil shavings, dried herbs and a hint of violets. Earthy tobacco and black fruit flavors with a hint of cola. Luscious with big chewy tannins and long earthy finish. Bold, but this wine still has some finesse. Needs a decant. — 6 years ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Dark peppery fruit. Lush with black cherry. Good balance. Delicious — a month ago

with Peter, Gregg and 1 other

Rob Brobst III

9.9

Even better than the crazy-good 2007, the 2015 La Sangre de Jonata is sheer perfection in a glass and up with the finest Syrahs ever made in California! Checking in as a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, aged in barrel, its saturated purple color is followed by out of this world aromatics black raspberries, smoked earth, graphite, game, violets and freshly crushed rock-like minerality. — 10 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

The Paring’s 2019 Red is a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from the team at Jonata and The Hilt. It soars from the glass with wild flowers, herbs, blood orange and red-fleshed fruit. Elegant and nuanced, the Red is also a tremendous value. $20.00 (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2022) — 3 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.2

Dark complex blend. Lots of different varietals and muddled coffee, cherry, dark fruit flavors. — 6 months ago

Chris Zitzman

9.4

Smoky!

Want a reason to try some California Sangiovese?

There ya be. As it opens the fruit just seems to erupt- and all the while the smoke just kicks back, feet up, waiting.

Just outstanding. — 8 months ago

with Beth

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2019 vintage. 51% Merlot right off the bat. Fantastic. 7.19.23. — 2 years ago

Billy L.

8.9

PNP, Meh 😕 ...took a flyer, poor 💰QPR IMO.
Go South to Jonata for La Sangre de Jonata in Santa Barbara Cty. for Great California Syrah!Cheers 🍇🍷 — 5 years ago