Dedicated to expressing a range of red—and a handful of white—wines from its estate in the Central Coast of California’s Ballard Canyon appellation within Santa Ynez Valley, Jonata is one of a new breed of producers throughout the world who are thriving with a non-traditional amalgam of varieties and blends. With a commitment in particular to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, and informed by cutting edge viticulture, winemaking and a polyface approach to their estate, the Jonata wines are on the vanguard of an emerging quality movement in California winegrowing.

77% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc

20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% twice used French oak, 225L

"An especially sultry and sleek vintage for our merlot. From day one, this wine has wowed with it elegance and silky black fruit. It is truly the essence of Luxardo cherry and fresh sage. Lovely notes of blackberry, graphite, cedar, and blackcurrant. Like all of the Bordeaux varieties produced from JONATA in 2021, there is a hydrated, luscious and tender element to the fruit that shines from beginning to end. Enough scorched earth and herbal nuance to give layers of complexity and depth. New leather and Christmas pudding. A very classy and graceful shift from the silk on the palate to the pure cacao chocolate structure and black plum on the finish. Powdery tannins that embrace and frame the dense texture. A balanced and graceful merlot that wins with unmatched textural decadence. Such a pleasure to drink today." Matt Dees, Winemaker

97 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous, July 2023

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com, August 2023