Jonata Winery - Todos 2018

The Jonata winery takes its name from the 1845 Spanish land grant, Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, as well as the Chumash word for “live oak” or “tall oak.” The Estate vineyard was planted in 2000 in the Southwest corner of what would become the Ballard Canyon Appellation in 2013. The terroir of Jonata property is unique to this site, comprised of eight hundred feet deep Careaga sands. These sands are extremely calcareous, retain almost no water and are virtually devoid of nutrients. In fact, these soils are so poor and the site so unique that the property was thought to be unfit for grape growing.

In 'desafio' (defiance) of this conception, vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano hedged his bets and planted the eighty acres of vineyards to a potpourri of different grape varietals. The original planting was made with Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Syrah and, more recently, Grenache and Viognier — the Grenache was later ripped out and replaced with Petit Syrah. Today there are only twenty acres of Cabernet Franc and nine acres of Merlot in the entire Ballard Canyon Appellation, so to say that Jonata was bucking the trends would be an understatement to say the least!

All lots are co-fermented in steel tanks - fermentation begins naturally after a short 24 hour cold-soak, no additions or manipulations. Aged for 20 months in 100% French oak barrels of various sizes, 35% new. The wine is not racked.

"Always a good value, the 2018 Todos checks in as a kitchen sink blend of 45% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Merlot and other miscellaneous varieties. Its inky, glass-staining purple color is followed by a beautiful bouquet of smoked black fruits, bouquet garni, peppered meat, and hints of crushed rock. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and just a gorgeous wine." - 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"Opulent and elevated on the nose with black truffle, blackberries, flowers and orange blossom. Medium-to full-bodied, rich, round and juicy. Lots going on here. A little time in the bottle with soften it. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petite sirah and others. Drink or hold." - 94 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Jonata Winery

Country: USA

Region: California

Varietal: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah,

Appellation: Ballard Canyon

Vintage: 2018

Size: 750ml