2014 Jonata Todos

The 2014 Todos is expressive, open and quite giving, all of which make it super-appealing, even in its infancy. There is good depth to the sweet red cherry, plum, licorice, menthol and floral notes, all of which meld together effortlessly. Medium in body and nuanced, the Todos will give readers a good look at the Jonata house style at a relatively affordable price.

Blended of 47% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Viognier, the 2014 Todos Proprietary Red Wine reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a pronounced blackberries, blueberry pie and cassis-scented nose with an Indian spices and black pepper-laced undercurrent, plus a waft of lavender. Soft, medium-bodied, perfumed and elegant in the mouth, this finely crafted beauty offers great seamlessness and harmony, finishing long and spicy.

I loved the 2014 Todos, and this kitchen sink blend of 47% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Viognier isn't far behind the other cuvées in quality. Currants, black raspberries, toasted spice, earth and hints of herbs emerge from this medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, textured beauty that has tons of to love. It will keep through 2024. It’s always a fun tasting with winemaker Matt Dees and his team, and they continue to keep this estate at the top of the hierarchy in Santa Barbara County. Located in Ballard Canyon AVA, they pull only from their estate vineyard (planted on incredibly sandy soils) and make a wide range of cuvées, from a red and white Bordeaux blends, to a 100% Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and a number of terrific Rhône blends. The common thread is incredible quality.