2006 La Flor de Jonata
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Tasting notes
The outstanding 2006 La Flor de Jonata is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It exhibits abundant quantities of honeyed grapefruit along with a hint of underripe pineapple, and good minerality in a medium-bodied, zesty, fresh, white Graves-like style. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge. The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling. I have included these cuvees since some of the blends include Rhone varietals. Tel. (805) 564-8581
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Light gold. Pungent, honeyed pear and nectarine aromas are brightened by lime zest and fresh herbs. Fresh melon and orchard fruit flavors offer good depth and cut, but no edginess. Finishes round, with ripe melon and subtle lime flavors. Delivers a lot of complexity, without the strident herbal character of many sauvignon blancs.
About the producer
Jonata is amongst a handful of truly exciting wineries from Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara – a unique fine wine region of incredible versatility.