2007 Jonata La Tierra de Jonata

Starting off the reds, and looking at their 100% Sangiovese (the barrels are topped with Syrah) blend, the Tierra de Jonata is an interesting wine that turns more and more savory as it ages. Frankly, I prefer this cuvee early in its life as there’s still vibrant fruit to balance the more dry aromas and flavors that tend to dominate as it ages. The most evolved and mature of the lineup, the 2007 Tierra de Jonata (98% Sangiovese with a splash of Syrah) offers up savory, chewy aromas and flavors of cigar box, baker’s chocolate, tar and licorice to go with a full-bodied, rich and structured profile on the palate. Still with some tannin to integrate, it has solid mid-palate depth and solid length. Drink now-2022. 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

(includes 3% syrah) Vivid ruby. Sexy aromas of cherry, spicecake and vanilla bean, with a subtle smoky undertone. Juicy red fruit flavors are given a firm edge by notes of cherry pit and licorice and pick up a musky note of dried flowers in the mid-palate. Finishes silky and lively, with lingering notes of candied cherry and rose. This drinks well now but has the depth to reward more patience. It's also one of the best non-Tuscan examples of this variety I know.