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.