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.
“Another wine that's just about to be bottled is the 2020 Todos, which is a final blend of 57% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest a mix of varieties. Ripe blueberries, fresh plums, chocolate, and peppery notes all define the nose, and it's full-bodied, with a plush, rounded texture, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It should be a no-brainer purchase.” - 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2020 Todos, as the name says, is Jonata's red blend. Although an entry-level offering, Todos punches above its weight. Dark cherry, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and scorched earth all run through this Syrah-based blend. I loved it.” - 92 Points, Vinous
Producer: Jonata Winery
Country: USA
Region: California
Varietal: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah,
Appellation: Ballard Canyon
Vintage: 2020
Size: 750ml