Wine Advisor
Jonata, La Sangre de Jonata 2006
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2006 La Sangre de Jonata reveals more bacon fat, pepper, and meaty notes, but not as much intensity as the 2005. Nevertheless, this is a concentrated, full-bodied effort with fabulous fruit purity, good acidity, and an unmistakable Syrah personality that combines the best of French savoir faire with California fruit. It is a stunning effort from a challenging vintage. This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge. The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling. I have included these cuvees since some of the blends include Rhone varietals. Tel. (805) 564-8581
About the Producer
Jonata Wines is located in the Santa Barbara wine region of California, USA. Jonata Wines owns 600 acres of land in the Golden Hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. Eighty of these acres are planted with grapes due to the unique microclimate and good soil conditions. These 80 acres are divided into more than 50 plots, each planted with a different grape variety. Matt Dees, the winemaker, studied soil science at the University of Vermont and has extensive winemaking experience, having also worked as a winemaker at Staglin Wines in Napa, California and at Craggy range in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. He has a very keen sense of wine. Since its inception, it has released wines such as 2010 El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 El Alma El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, El Alma de Jonata Cabernet Franc 2009, La Sangre de Jonata Syrah 2007 and Todos Vineyard Blend 2007, among others.
