Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Jonata
Label Name:
 
El Alma de Jonata
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County (Central Coast), California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.1%
Grape(s):
 
62% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 96; Jeb Dunnuck 94–96+ (reported 96); multiple high critic scores and widespread acclaim

Tasting Note
Perfumed and intense: cocoa, scorched earth, fresh mint, raspberry preserves, black plum and cassis with pencil shavings, kalamata olive and lavender. Vibrant acidity, ripe chalky tannins and a long, savory finish.

Food Pairing
Grilled or roasted beef, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses; Asian pairings: Korean BBQ (galbi/bulgogi), Cantonese char siu, Sichuan-style beef, teriyaki or sukiyaki beef.

Production Method
Small-lot fermentation and élevage; aged ~22 months in French oak barrels (≈20% new, remainder neutral), minimal-intervention approach to preserve site expression.

Vineyard Info
Jonata, founded on the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata estate, farms sandy Careaga soils in Ballard Canyon; owned by Stan Kroenke. Winemaker Matt Dees crafts focused, Bordeaux-style blends from estate vineyards.