2011 La Flor de Jonata

More lean and racy, the 2011 La Flor de Jonata is decidedly elegant and classy with its fresh citrus, candied herbs and lemon-peel nuances. Tight and lively on the palate, it has superb focus and detail to its aromas and flavors. Drink now-2021+. This was an incredible tasting with winemaker Matt Dees. This estate continues to produce some of the most impressive, long-lived wines in Santa Barbara. As I’ve learned from past tasting, it’s always best to schedule this appointment at the end of the day as these effort have no shortage of tannin and can wreak havoc on one’s palate. While I’ve routinely tasted the La Sangre de Jonata for a number of years now, it was great to be able to go back through past vintages of this estate’s other wines. In addition to these efforts bottled under the Jonata label, I was also able to taste their The Hilt and The Pairing releases, both of which are also reviewed in this report (and highly recommended). Tel. (805) 564-8581; www.jonata.com

Acacia, honey and lush tropical fruits are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2011 Flor, Jonata's Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend. The intense floreality of the Sauvignon Musque clone is woven throughout, adding gorgeous perfume. Today, the 2011 is rich, classy and inviting. I expect it will drink well for at least a handful of years. In 2011 the blend is 67% Sauvignon Blanc (Musque clone) and 33% Semillon, aged in equal parts new oak, neutral oak and steel, with no malolactic fermentation.