Jonata La Sangre de Jonata Syrah 2016

Product Information: In 2016 Jonata continued to shine despite the extended drought producing a strong lineup across the board. Fortunately they were able to harvest clean fruit without pressure over a three-week period which ended prior to the brutal Autumn heat spell beginning 25th September. The 2016 Syrah was notably impressive – juicy and dark with plush fruit on the mid-palate. A humdinger. The Jonata La Sangre de Jonata Syrah is comprised of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier, matured in 60% new French oak and 40% in twice used French oak. Held back for optimum drinking. After some time in the glass there’s white truffle, ripe blackberry, white pepper and grilled bread. Reticent until it feels ready and then it is full steam ahead. Ripe and round. Notes of blood orange. Tannin content is grand but supple. Texturally thrilling and structurally profound. Ready to enjoy now, but will age gracefully. Maker: Owned by the iconic Screaming Eagle, JONATA wines are on the vanguard of an emerging quality movement in California winegrowing. The Ballard Canyon AVA is located within the greater Santa Ynez Valley appellation. As California’s Central Coast most notable emerging locations, JONATA’s sandy site and its team’s winegrowing know-how have produced results that are widely recognised as the best ever seen from this region. 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. Jonata is dedicated to sustainability from the inside out; a principled approach to farming. With its use of polyface farming—as first introduced to America by Michael Pollan in his book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma”—Jonata integrates and revolves livestock (chickens, turkeys, goats, pigs and sheep) in their farming model, which naturally enhances the soil and health of their land not to mention that of the critters themselves and the Jonata community! We maintain a large communal garden and an orchard that produces our own estate olive oil along with honey from bees raised on the ranch. Water is used judiciously and with precision. Herbicides and pesticides don’t even enter the conversation. Vineyard: Nose – White Truffle, Blackberry, White Pepper Only really shows it cards on day two with white truffle, ripe blackberry, white pepper and grilled bread. Palate – Blackberry Pie, Boysenberry Preserves, Cocoa Full-bodied, dense and lush, it’s framed by firm, pleasantly chewy tannins and good freshness. Finish – Pleasantly Chewy Tannin, Long, Minerally Framed by firm, pleasantly chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and minerally. The 2016 La Sangre de Jonata (98% Syrah and 2% Viognier) is a beautiful follow on to the sensational 2015 and has a layered, multi-dimensional, massive profile. Blackcurrants, blackberries, lavender, bacon fat, and spring flower notes all flow to a seriously rich, powerful wine that stays light and graceful, with awesome tannin quality. It’s another tour de force that reminds me of the 2007. It shuts down with extended air time (I followed this bottle for two days) and while it can certainly be enjoyed today, it won’t hit prime time for another 4-6 years and should keep for two decades or more. – Jeb Dunnuck, 99 Points. A blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier aged in 25% new French oak, the 2016 La Sangre de Jonata has an opaque purple-black color and wonderfully dense, savory nose of cracked black pepper, cassis, blackberry pie, cocoa and licorice with boysenberry preserves, peppered meat and graphite. Full-bodied, dense and lush, it’s framed by firm, pleasantly chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and minerally. – Robert Parker, 93+ Points. The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Syrah 98%, Viognier 2% Country – United States Region – Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez, California Vintage – 2016 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 15.5%