2006 Jonata La Tierra de Jonata

(includes 3% syrah) Dark red. Sexy redcurrant and cherry aromas are complemented by sandalwood and smoky Indian spices. A sweet, fleshy midweight, with alluring red fruit and herbal flavors overlaid by floral pastille and brown spice qualities. The herbal element echoes on the long, juicy finish. A very successful New World version of this variety, which is a real rarity.

There is 20% Syrah in the 2006 La Tierra de Jonata, but it is dominated by Sangiovese. It reveals classic sweet strawberry and raspberry notes intermixed with tobacco leaf and soil undertones. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannin as well as beautiful freshness and vibrancy, it can be drunk now or cellared for 5-7 years. It is easily the most accessible of the Jonata big reds.

There is 20% Syrah in the 2006 La Tierra de Jonata, but it is dominated by Sangiovese. It reveals classic sweet strawberry and raspberry notes intermixed with tobacco leaf and soil undertones. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannin as well as beautiful freshness and vibrancy, it can be drunk now or cellared for 5-7 years. It is easily the most accessible of the Jonata big reds. 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