This tiny Santa Ynez winery, the sister property to Napa Valley’s#1 cult winery Screaming Eagle, has been quietly producing some of the best and most exciting wines in California. Situated on 600 acres of a former cattle ranch in Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley Appellation Jonata has 83 acres planted with ten different Rhone and Bordeaux varietals.
With a commitment to Syrah and Cabernet in particular, these impeccably crafted, chiseled masterpieces of tannic structure and true varietal characteristic have inspired a devoted following.
At the helm of it all is winemaker, Matt Dees. Well-appointed with a degree in soil science, an experimental and gregarious personality by nature, Matt truly is a “salt (or soil) of the earth” winemaker. Employing cutting edge viticulture and producing upwards of ten wines under the Jonata label his wines have garnered favorable notice from the world’s foremost critics year after year:
“Since Jonata’s debut releases a few years ago, this has been one of the most impressive newcomers in the Santa Barbara region…”
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2010
“… this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling…”
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2008
Price List & Order FormFor a copy of the price list and order form in Excel please click here.
The Wines
Jonata Todos 2007, Santa Ynez – Vintages |
218941 |
$59.95 |
Parker : 92 – 94 … 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Sangiovese. Fragrant aromatics (spring flowers, red and blue fruits) are followed by a wine with excellent ripeness, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, and loads of complexity. Find Stores |
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El Alma de Jonata 2006, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classics |
218925 |
$143.95 |
Parker: 95 Perhaps the greatest Cabernet Franc being made in California… The amazing 2006, a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and a dollop of Merlot, tastes like a liquid version of haute couture from Chanel. It possesses nobility, grace, and remarkable complexity… Find Stores |
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El Alma de Jonata 2007, Santa Ynez – Vintages Nov 12/11 |
218925 |
$143.95 |
Parker: 97 The finest Cabernet Franc to emerge south of San Francisco… Ethereal floral notes intermixed with notions of black raspberries, blueberries, and graphite are present in the aromas and flavors. Although it exhibits noteworthy concentration as well as endearing texture, richness, and intensity, it is not heavy, but represents a quintessential expression of how Cabernet Franc can provide penetrating aromas and flavors without the sense of force and weightiness of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. With striking elegance, purity, and balance, it is reminiscent of what Cheval Blanc might taste like if it were located in the Santa Ynez Valley! It will drink well for 10-15 years. Find Stores |
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El Desafio de Jonata 2006, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classics |
218933 |
$145.00 |
Parker: 94-96 A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot. This amazing effort is the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine ever made in the Santa Ynez appellation. Find Stores |
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El Desafio de Jonata 2007, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classic |
218993 |
$145.00 |
Parker : 95 – 97 The profound 2007 El Desafio de Jonata (a 500-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot) is the reference point for Cabernet Sauvignon in Santa Ynez. Blueberry liqueur, graphite, acacia flower, and creme de cassis aromas are followed by a wine with great stature, medium to full-bodied power, awesome layers of flavor, and a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds. The tannins are substantial, but well-integrated and velvety, and the wine is impressively long and layered. Find Stores |
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Sangre de Jonata 2006, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classics |
220517 |
$145.00 |
Parker : 93 – 95 … an unmistakable Syrah personality that combines the best of French savoir faire with California fruit. It is a stunning effort… Find Stores |
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La Poesia de Jonata 2007, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classics |
220509 |
$99.00 |
Pinot Noir. “Bright and vibrant ruby hue. Complex nose of incense, black cherry, plums, fig and smoke notes; black pepper and cinnamon…. Pure velvet on the palate; rich and mouth filling, but also elegant and refined. An excellent value … (Food & Home, Winter 2010) Find Stores |
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La Fuerza de Jonata 2006, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classics |
221168 |
$89.00 |
Syrah. Impenetrable black color. A seeming abyss in the glass. Hedonistic nose of black fruit, cedar, espresso bean and sanguine notes. Sweet vanilla and baking spices combined with meaty and gamey nuances. Glass staining; velvety and rich in the mouth. Subtle tannins sneak up until they gently envelope the entire palate, but somehow leave just enough room for the seemingly endless finish of vibrant black fruit to shine through. Find Stores |
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La Tierra de Jonata 2006, Santa Ynez – Vintages Classics |
221150 |
$84.95 |
Parker : 93 80% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah. 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. Find Stores |
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La Tierra de Jonata 2007, Santa Ynez – Vintages |
221150 |
$84.95 |
Parker: 93 The 2007 La Tierra de Jonata …blows away virtually every other Sangiovese made in California. High quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, cedar, sweet, meaty porcini mushrooms, cassis, cherries, and graphite are all present in the spectacular aromatics and rich, full-bodied flavors. There is not a hard edge to be found in this refreshingly vibrant, fruity red. Enjoy it over the next 3-5 years. Find Stores |
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