2021 Jonata 'La Sangre de Jonata-The Blood' Syrah Ballard Canyon
Brambly red and black fruit. Mulberry, black olive, white peppercorn, and black true. As complex as the nose is, this wine comes to life on the palate with unforgettably silky and voluptuous texture. Just like silk. Seamless. Layers of complexity roll across the palate with notes of mesquite, steak au poivre, dark pomegranate and chicory. Strong aromas of the forest with pine needles and a mushroom earthiness. Black plum skin, wild blueberry, and incense. Laden with fruit and chiseled with fine grained structure. Deeply powerful wine with bass notes of resinous black fruit and cooling green herbs. Long and pure with great fruit push and lingering blackberry notes. In the pantheon of great vintages for Sangre along with 2007, 2015 and 2018. Stunning syrah expression from the Jonata sandy soils. Aromatically enticing. A high impact wine that resonates like the vibration of a cello felt in the chest.
That low rumbling sound you hear is Jonata’s (hoe-na-ta) rocket engines warming up for takeoff. Established as a cousin winery to Napa’s acclaimed Screaming Eagle, their first commercial vintage in 2004 caused a stir among mailing list cognoscenti. Then the momentum began to build in the trade. And then Robert Parker called them “one of California’s most exciting new wineries” in a review, and the floodgates blasted open with collectors and connoisseurs scrambling to find their wares. Folks, we’re thrilled to tell you where you can get them! As Robert Parker has remarked, “What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling.” We can’t really make it any easier for you…
Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2021 La Sangre De Jonata is Syrah-dominated but includes 4% Petite Sirah and a dollop of Viognier. Reminding me of a great Côte Rôtie from the more schist soils in the northern part of the appellation, its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by a masculine, powerful bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and peppered meat, with a kiss of spring flowers coming through on the palate. It's rich and full-bodied, with building yet incredibly polished tannins and a great finish. Easily up with the finest ever made, this tour de force in Syrah needs to be tasted to be believed, and while it offers pleasure today, it will benefit from just 2-4 years of bottle age and evolve for 20+.
Vinous
2021 Jonata 'La Sangre de Jonata-The Blood' Syrah Ballard Canyon