Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Jonata
Label Name:
 
La Sangre de Jonata
Vintage:
 
2009
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
15.5%
Grape(s):
 
99% Syrah, 1% Viognier (co-fermented)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Jeb Dunnuck 99 pts; Robert Parker/Wine Advocate 94+ (94); Wine Spectator 92; Vinous/Antonio Galloni ~94+; The Rhône Report 96–99

Tasting Note
Concentrated black and blue fruit (blackberry, black cherry) with blood/meaty notes, lavender and violet florals, cracked pepper, smoked earth and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, dense, velvety mid‑palate, very fine yet assertive tannins and a long mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roasted or grilled lamb, braised short ribs, venison, beef ribeye, barbecued brisket. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Chinese red-braised beef, Sichuan-style beef, char siu, miso-glazed eggplant with grilled meats.

Production Method
Extended maceration; Syrah co‑fermented with a small amount of Viognier; fermented in tank and aged ~18–20 months in French oak (about 50% new, 50% neutral) before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Jonata (founded 2000) farms estate vineyards in Ballard Canyon on Careaga sands. Owned by Stan Kroenke; Matt Dees long-time winemaker. Focus on low-yield, small-production, premium Syrah bottlings.