Jonata is dedicated to sustainability from the inside out; a principled approach to farming. With its use of polyface farming—as first introduced to America by Michael Pollan in his book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma”—Jonata integrates and revolves livestock (chickens, turkeys, goats, pigs and sheep) in their farming model, which naturally enhances the soil and health of their land not to mention that of the critters themselves and the Jonata community! We maintain a large communal garden and an orchard that produces our own estate olive oil along with honey from bees raised on the ranch. Water is used judiciously and with precision. Herbicides and pesticides don’t even enter the conversation.
Dedicated to expressing a range of red—and a handful of white—wines from its estate in the Central Coast of California’s Ballard Canyon appellation within Santa Ynez Valley, Jonata is one of a new breed of producers throughout the world who are thriving with a non-traditional amalgam of varieties and blends. With a commitment in particular to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, and informed by cutting edge viticulture, winemaking and a polyface approach to their estate, the Jonata wines are on the vanguard of an emerging quality movement in California winegrowing.
The Ballard Canyon AVA is located within the greater Santa Ynez Valley appellation. As California’s Central Coast most notable emerging locations, JONATA’s sandy site and its team’s winegrowing know-how have produced results that are widely recognized as the best ever seen from this region.
The name Jonata pays homage to the 1845 Spanish land grant, Rancho San Carlos de Jonata. At the time the land grant covered a large part of the Santa Ynez Valley. Today’s Jonata is at the heart of the former land grant. The Jonata name was borrowed by the first pioneers from the local Chumash Indian and means “tall oak”.
Out of the 586 acres acquired by Stan Kroenke, only 84 bear vines today. The highly sandy soil made the vineyard development intricate and the task was successfully done by Central Coast Vineyard Care Associates—the preeminent viticultural management company on the Central Coast. Forgoing conventional wisdom from the outset the estate was planted with a host of varieties that are rarely cultivated side-by-side, an audacious decision at the time that created a stir in the winegrowing community.
From the first harvest in 2004 and under the guidance of Matt Dees, Jonata’s winemaker, it became clear that—despite widespread skepticism—not only had the right decision been made to plant Syrah, Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties but the meticulously farmed 84-acre vineyard could also produce extraordinary results. Encouraged by Stan Kroenke’s dedication to excellence, the estate has turned out a series of wines that have garnered substantial critical acclaim from Robert M. Parker Jr., Jeb Dunnuck, Antonio Galloni and Stephen Tanzer.
According to the USGS maps, the entire Jonata property is comprised of sand—namely a soil found in the area called the Careaga Sandstone. Yet there are a number of blocks that show different iterations of this sand such as the mini-blocks that possess a degree of a Paso Robles soil type to others that have loamy soils yet both possess higher percentages of clay than the other blocks on the estate.
And now for a word on sand…
Soils have at least three different particle sizes: sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm diameter), silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm) and clay (less than 0.002 mm). Most soils are comprised of an amalgam of all three—although there are certainly exceptions.
Sandy soils generally have low fertility, high aerative properties (consider the particle size!) and low water holding capacity. The latter two are certainly related…the higher the aeration potential, the better the drainage. Consider too that sand doesn’t compact easily, like a loamy soil will. One thing to be noted: the sand particles here on the Jonata estate are rectangular shaped, an aspect that provides for better drainage than one might find in other sand-based vineyards.
In the hands of a neophyte, the combination of these elements in a vineyard would be disastrous; for an experienced vineyard manager and a true vigneron, these qualities provide the opportunity for near-perfect control. And yet, in some way, the mystery of its effect remains unclear, which is something we don’t want to answer entirely. What does sand impart that other soils don’t? We know that it has an effect on the texture of our wines and that it creates a different tannin profile than it would elsewhere. This is the beauty of getting to know a piece of land over time, sometimes it takes generations. We are dialing it in, as it were.
There are some people who are educated toward certain positions in life and others who are born to assume them—and Matt Dees is what you’d call a natural winemaker.
Armed with a degree in Soil Science from the University of Vermont and Vintages at Staglin in Napa, California and Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, Matt has an intrinsic feel for wine, from dirt to glass. curious, earthy and experimental by nature, Matt’s approach to winemaking is grounded in the vineyard (pun intentional) first and foremost: attuned to the vines, the weather, the soil, Matt seems almost to be a part of the vineyard itself.
Not being bound by the conventions of the enological world of academia (no degree in winemaking here) has allowed Matt to come to an untethered philosophy of wine. Where Jonata is concerned, this is an important point: Jonata is an unconventional place that requires an unconventional, open mind to bring it to life.
Lastly, Matt has another very concrete talent: a keen feel for the shapes and dimension of tannin. Listening to him discuss the tannin elements found in Jonata wines is like listening to Buckminster Fuller describe the geodesic dome (which he invented), or like listening to the daring polyphonic construction of Bach’s Brandenburg concertos. Dees is a winemaker who’s emotionally and intellectually connected to structure, texture and tannin and explores these elements deeply in his wines.
Matt is assisted in the winery by Drew Pickering.
A native of Sonoma County, Drew Pickering always knew he would eventually follow his passion of winemaking. After completing his degree in history at San Francisco State University, he decided to pursue harvests at a couple of wineries in St. Helena in the heart of Napa Valley. He then continued his journey across the globe at Saint Clair Family Estate in Marlborough and Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay to further fine tune his winemaking knowledge eventually settling at Jonata in 2009 as assistant winemaker to Matt Dees.
Drew resides with his wife and two wonderful children in the small town of Solvang.
The youngest of 11 children, Ruben was born in a farming family in Guadalajara, Mexico. While most of his siblings pursued teaching, he knew he wanted to continue his family’s tradition of tending the land. Shortly after moving to Santa Barbara County in the early 80’s, Ruben began working for Coastal Vineyard Care. He is now co-owner and is well known throughout the Central Coast region for his instinctual approach to farming, so much so it has become his trademark.
Early on Coastal Vineyard Care was hired to farm the Careaga sand of Jonata. Sandy vineyards offer two keystone elements to farming exceptional grapes: natural drainage and poor nutrients, resulting in a vineyard that is difficult to establish and farm. Attention to minute details and a constant presence are not just a luxury, they are a necessity. For Ruben, sandy vineyards speak naturally to him. His intuitive approach, his ability to discover the vines needs just by listening to the sound of the leaves in the wind, and his working relationship with Matt are what make Jonata’s wines so unique: Wines with a sense of place, wines that are real and alive.
View our current release and wines from previous years.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
14.4% Alc
459 Cases Produced
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak.
"Shy at first and reserved but opens with time in glass. Very close to the surface today. Black fruit, mulberry, scorched earth, black cherry and rosemary. Loam, toasty oak and pencil shavings. Dark with brambly charm. Quiet and sturdy today, but so much promise looking forward. Structurally reminiscent of the profound 2015 Desafio. Graced with persistent tannins from this warm and dry vintage that add to the overall power of the wine. Lovely and classic Desafio with balance, density and vibrant acidity. Relaxes its shoulders a bit after half an hour or so reacting with oxygen in the glass. One for the cellar and table with big protein!" Matt Dees, Winemaker
97+ Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
95+ Points- Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
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75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot
541 Cases Produced
"Absolutely heady perfume. Spiced dark chocolate, cassis, bay leaf, dried sage, fig paste and currant candies. A wine that immediately stands out in the lineup. More density, more aromatics, more power. A wine of tremendous force and direction. Intense and concentrated, serious and focused. Still tightly coiled and freakishly young. Kept lively and fresh with notes of fresh mint and sage. Like a firm, but sweet blackberry. Finish highlighted by cooling, gentle tannins. Definitely in the conversation of hallowed Desafio vintages. Unique in its expression and focus. Profound in a similar way to the 2018 Alma. Earthy structure and sweet, black fruit" Matt Dees, Winemaker
97 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
95-97 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
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87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot
650 Cases Produced
"Absolute essence of cassis and mint. Scorched earth, grilled bread, porcini and bay leaf. Blueberry and ripe tobacco. Explodes on the palate with tremendous quantities of black, dense fruit. Layer after layer. Stays focused and poised with good tension and acid backbone. Gently coating silky tannins. Perfect balance and pedigree and a heightened level of elegance and clarity. Shows the huge potential of cabernet sauvignon from the 17-year old vines on our sandy soils. A Desafio of exceptional precision and understated power." Matt Dees, Winemaker
97 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
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80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
548 Cases Produced
"Another classic Jonata cabernet sauvignon with red fruit and fresh green herbs; cassis and the refined earthy qualities that make Jonata unique in this world. Focused and pure black fruit on the attack with an added intensity in 2016. A wine of tremendous freshness. Balsamic and tobacco. Like 95% cacao chocolate with hints of fresh mint. Power like the epic 2015, but with more freshness and perhaps even more impact. A statuesque and chiseled cabernet with chewy tannin and a powerful backbone of acidity. Matt Dees, Winemaker
96 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2018
96+ Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
93-95 Points William Kelley The Wine Advocate April 2018
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot , 5% Petit Verdot
499 Cases Produced
"An unforgettable wine from two fermentation lots consisting of minuscule berries. Long and slow fermentations that allowed for maximum extraction under ideal conditions. Green mint, black cassis, pencil shavings. Black and red fruit with a creamy, expansive and sweet texture. Cedar and cigar notes. Voluptuous and packed with power. Tannins start early and build to an impressive intensity." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown The Wine Advocate September 2017
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
80% French oak and 20% neutral French oak
516 Cases Produced
"Darker and more brooding with the essence of cassis. Tight and coiled as we would hope at this “baby” stage. Great expansion of fruit on the attack shows its potential. Sweet and substantial tannins build early and help define this young cabernet sauvignon. An absolutely refined and classic Desafio. We can’t wait to watch this wine grow." Matt Dees, Winemaker
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com August 2017
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
87% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot, 3% merlot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
377 Cases Produced
"Ripe red fruit moving to black fruit and fresh mushrooms. Perfumed and lifted. Cassis and freshly turned soil. Stunning combination of black and evergreen. Regal structure that starts out taut and fleshes out with time in the glass. Mint leaves. Coolness. Black olive and smoky fruit. Intense structure with beautifully robust tannins. Classic Jonata cabernet sauvignon." Matt Dees, Winemaker
96+ Points Jeb Dunnuck The Wine Advocate August 2016
97 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2016
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64% cabernet sauvignon, 16% cabernet franc, 15% petit verdot, 5% merlot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
457 Cases Produced
"An evocative nose defined by true cassis and gorgeous dark green notes of licorice, dried herbs and nori. Muscular, dense and structured; everything cab should be. Manages to also be restrained with black fruit intertwined with dusty herbal notes. More darkness, more power, more complexity. Picks up momentum on the palate. Remains refined and somewhat reserved today. Stands in line with the legendary 2009 Desafio. Dark and brooding; another stunning defiance." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points The Wine Advocate
94 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
95% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot, 2% petit verdot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
510 Cases Produced
"Sings in the glass immediately. Much like its sister, El Alma, it has delicate earth and herbal notes. Cacao, black plum, espresso, dust and black licorice. It is a completely different beast on the palate. It is juicy and packed with mouthwatering fruit. Cabernet sauvignon thrived in 2011 and it shows immediately on the mid palate and long lingering finish. At 95% cabernet sauvignon, it is apparent that the “king of grapes” didn’t need any help from its Bordeaux brethren to fill any holes in tis vintage. This cabernet sauvignon fires on all cylinders. It has monstrous intensity of fruit and palate filling chalky tannin. A sparkling and pristine presentation of Desafio." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points The Wine Advocate
95 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
43% cabernet sauvignon, 32% cabernet franc, 11% merlot, 14% petit verdot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
430 Cases Produced
"Absolute 2010. One pick taken from nearly every block of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. This complex blend shows the pronounced voice of each individual block and grape variety. The grapes were sorted in the vineyard during harvest to allow us to dodge the curve balls thrown at us in the form of numerous October rains. The best of the best and sadly the only Bordeaux lot worthy of the Jonata name in 2010. Unmatched in its layers of aromatic complexity, with decadent black fruit, hints of pepper, cool mineral notes, and the perfect touch of herbaceaousness. For those bemoaning the loss of Alma, the higher than normal percentage of cabernet franc in this blend comes screaming out of the glass with lavender and a cool minty side. The black fruit from the cabernet acts as the anchor with silky texture and a strong backbone of structure. Some flesh and plummy sweetness from the merlot rounds out the mid palate. The true miracle wine and a blend that speaks volumes to the powerful personality and toughness of the Jonata vineyard. Tightly coiled like the sangiovese with dusty tannins that will reward patience in the cellar. An unforgettable Desafio! The ultimate act of defiance; a ripe, layered and luscious Bordeaux blend from a patience-trying vintage." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points The Wine Advocate
93 Points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
94 Points Wine & Spirits
80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 5% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
755 Cases Produced
"In this bottle of 2009 Desafio, we’ve produced what I consider to be the definition of Jonata cabernet: in the glass it displays classic cabernet notes of cassis, tobacco, cedar, subtle smoke and dark chocolate. There is a distinct earthiness to this blend that creates a great counterbalance to the immense fruit evident everywhere on this red. Plush and soft on the attack, the Desafio envelops the palate in silky black fruit and liquid minerality. Its formidable nature becomes even more evident as the cascade of tannins begins, coating the mouth with legions of firm, but incredibly fine grained tannins—a textural ride on the palate. For all of its ripeness and voluminous fruit, this wine remains sincere not only to the earthiness and complexity of cabernet sauvignon, but also to the unique cool climate of the Jonata terroir." Matt Dees, Winemaker
97 Points The Wine Advocate
94 Points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
94 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot , 4% cabernet franc, 2% merlot
85% new French oak, 15% neutral French oak
500 Cases Produced
"Much like the 2008 El Alma, this wine is defined by its grace and elegance. It displays the explosive Aromatics of the 2008 vintage with classic blackberry, cassis, black olive, mocha and cedar. It’s loaded with black fruit and full of tobacco, herbs and dust like the 2007, but with a level of delicacy that keeps the wine lighter and more active on the palate in its youth. At the same time, the density of the fruit sneaks up and surprises after the supple attack, leading in turn to extremely fine grained tannins that convey espresso bean notes and blackberries though a long lasting finish. The El Desafio 2008 is a complete wine that epitomizes the delicacy, focus and quiet power of the vintage." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points The Wine Advocate
94 Points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
96 Points James Suckling
95% cabernet sauvignon, 2% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot
85% New French oak, 15% neutral French oak
527 Cases Produced
"Following in the footsteps of its Desafio predecessors, the 2007 displays classic notes of cassis, cedar and herbs, but with its impenetrable density, brooding aromas and teeth staining power alongside surprising elegance. This may well prove to be our most impressive and complete cabernet sauvignon expression to date. Dark chocolate covered raspberries, anise, mint and cigar box, barbeque smoke and black olive—sincere to variety with a Ballard Canyon/Santa Ynez Valley twist in its depth of black fruit and concentration." Matt Dees, Winemaker
61% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot
14.1% Alc
46 Cases Produced
50% new French oak, 50% used French oak
"Layered and complex aromatics of spicy red fruit, dusty earth and Illy beans. Sanguine and silky. A wine of dark fruit, dark chocolate and refreshingly resinous impact. Purple and reserved. Ripe strawberry, balsamic, black cherry and lavender. Essence of the alluring black and green personality of cabernet franc. Cooling, minty sensation. Firm with a strong backbone of that uniquely cabernet franc tannin and formidable black fruit. Finish is energetic with cut and tremendous structure." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
94 Points- Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
62% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot
468 Cases Produced
"Singular and dramatic nose of cocoa powder, scorched earth, fresh mint and raspberry preserves. Black plum and cassis on the attack. Pencil shavings, dusty gravel, kalamata olive and lavender. Complex and wonderful convergence of earth, herb and darkness. Ample generosity, but ultimately remains light and fresh, vibrant and lively. Perfumed, chalky and profound. Pushes from generous fruit on the attack to a long and memorable finish. Lovely race to see whether fruit, tannic structure or bright acidity will win. All seem to push for minutes. An ethereal and driven Alma. A seemingly unique combination: aromatic and tense 2008 meets the black fruit-driven 2009 powerhouse." Matt Dees, Winemaker
96 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
94-96+ Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
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79% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon
300 Cases Produced
"Sophisticated and lifted nose of fresh herbs, dried roses and ripe fig. Tart raspberry, bay leaf, dark Gaviota strawberry and red currants lead the attack. Freshly turned soil, chalk dust and cacao nibs lend a textural counterpoint to the suave fruit. Beetroot, blood orange, pencil shavings and cedar. A cooling, vibrant and immensely soulful Alma. Finishes with big push of dark fruit, cacao, green mint and grilled meat. An ethereal and poignant cabernet franc blend. One can sense the maturity of the vines in the added layer of refinement and subtlety." Matt Dees, Winemaker
96 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More86% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
205 Cases Produced
“Swirling and towering nose. Complex and sophisticated. Deep red, dark green and pitch black. Cassis, espresso bean, bay, thyme and rosemary. Ethereal and velvet fruit. Perfectly steeped black tea. Creamy and dense on the palate. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate. Drink earlier to enjoy the baby fat or put a few bottles away deep in your cellar as we’ve never seen an Alma quite like this. As if 2009 and 2015 Alma had a beautiful baby (with 2007’s perfect balance of course).” Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2018
99 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
91-93 Points William Kelley The Wine Advocate April 2018
74% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot , 2% Merlot
237 Cases Produced
"Impenetrable black color. Swirls out of the glass with deep, dark fruit and green cooling herbs. Classic cassis and black olive. Fleeting notes of lavender. Remains tight today, but can be coaxed out of its shell with air. Sweet bramble and ripe black plum. Opens to a monstrous and mouthwatering texture with tremendous concentration and freshness. Firm high quality tannins frame the fruit. A texturally thrilling and structurally intimidating Alma. One to lay down for a few years as it evolves into a classic"
Matt Dees, Winemaker
94 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown The Wine Advocate September 2017
98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
88% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon , 2% Petit Verdot
80% French oak, 20% neutral French oak
184 Cases Produced
"Perfumed and intoxicating nose of bright red fruit with earth-driven herbal hints, lavender and a lifted note of new leather. The Alma we’ve always aspired to produce. A wine of substance, complexity and charm. Wonderful interplay between sweet red fruit, dark herbal notes and chalky and lingering tannins. Fascinating and layered. A sincere and intense expression of cabernet franc." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com August 2017
93+ Points Wine Advocate August 2017
92 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
81% cabernet franc, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 2% merlot, 1% petit verdot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
428 Cases Produced
"Coy and reserved at first, then ripe and musky on the nose with rosemary, mint, dark chocolate and perfumed incense. Black cherry, cassis and pine needles. Such a sensual nose. Supple dark chocolate and sweet black raspberries on the palate. Creamy and generous. Clove and pipe tobacco. Chalky and tight tannins reminiscent of cacao nibs. Reticent; showing voluptuousness then covering up. Fascinating Alma displaying the poetic side of Franc." Matt Dees, Winemaker
94+ Points Jeb Dunnuck The Wine Advocate August 2016
96+ Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2016
72% cabernet franc, 13% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 6% petit verdot
80% new French oak, 20% neutral French oak
341 Cases Produced
"Perfumed nose of cedar, raspberry jam, dried herbs, dark chocolate and chickoree coffee. Dark fruit and dark chocolate on the palate that remains focused and pure. Terrific length with muscular tannins that slowly take over and lead to a smoky and dark finish. Structured for the cellar with small tannins that completely cover the front and back palate. This remarkable Alma should reward patience and drink beautifully for years to come." Matt Dees, Winemaker
96 Points The Wine Advocate
95 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
91% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Viognier
14.5% Alc
15% new French oak, 85% neutral French oak
220 Cases Produced
"Gamey and dark with herbal notes, baking spice and wild blueberry. Notes of crisp bacon, white pepper and bay leaf. Rosemary and pine needles. Smelling this wine is like taking a walk in Muir Woods. Makes one imagine graphite, lavender, creosote and lifted violet. Really rolls onto the palate with weight and expansive volume. Cooling and suave as it lightly dusts the palate with cocoa-fine tannins. Black ink on the palate. Finely crushed tannins that are so supportive of the fruit. Perfectly frames the delectable syrah density beautifully. So decadent and built for the long haul. On day two opened, this wine absolutely demands to be near the top of the pyramid of Sangres. A very special bottle." Matt Dees, Winemaker
97 Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
97+ Points- Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier
474 Cases Produced
"Showcasing the special duality of Ballard Canyon with cool climate syrah aromatics combined with impressive richness and generosity on the palate from the warm days. Floral and spicy with a sublime inner perfume. Black fruit, silky texture and luxurious tannic structure. Tremendous and seamless expansion of sweet fruit on the palate. Resinous and lingering with an impactful push of dark fruit on the finish. Pipe tobacco, violets, wild blueberry, ripe mulberry, creosote, tar and white truffle. Most impressive Sangre in recent memory" Matt Dees, Winemaker
97 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
96-98 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
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98% Syrah, 2% Viognier
338 Cases Produced
"Driven by a floral and powdered nose with a striking element of violets. Towering aromatics. Elderberry-like. Supple and sleek on the palate with characteristic black and blue Sangre fruit, black pepper, white truffle and an overall sense of Luxardo cherries. Finishes with freshness and a push of dark fruit that doesn’t want to stop. By far the most elegant and approachable Sangre to date. No need for a decade in the cellar, but this will also certainly repay those with patience. Pop and pour today. One of the most expressive and evocative bottles we’ve ever produced." Matt Dees, Winemaker
94+ Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More98% Syrah and 2% Viognier
516 Cases Produced
"A wine that will continue to move at its own glacial pace of evolution for years to come. Only really shows it cards on day two with white truffle, ripe blackberry, white pepper and grilled bread. Reticent until it feels ready and then it is full steam ahead. It is akin to a seismic event of spice and fruit. Ripe and round. It seems to get darker with time in glass. A wine for the cellar for the next five years. Notes of blood orange. Tannin content is grand, but certainly supple. Texturally thrilling and structurally profound. Pure and classic Jonata syrah that should age gracefully and effortlessly." Matt Dees, Winemaker
96+ Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2018
99 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
93-95 Points William Kelley The Wine Advocate April 2018
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier
405 Cases Produced
"We’ve never seen a Sangre like the ’15. Tough to put in to words. Unmatched complexity with ripe blackberry, charred tri-tip and green peppercorn. Luxurious texture. Perfumed, exotic and supple. Creosote, tar, violets and truffle. Such is the power and density of this wine that the formidable tannins on the finish appear merely as soft, dusty and balanced. Everything on a higher level and nothing out of place. Similar only to the 2007 Sangre in which both wines were seamless and gorgeous from the moment the grapes were harvested to the moment we put them in bottle. Very special and rarified air." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown The Wine Advocate September 2017
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
99% Syrah and 1% Viognier
30% new French oak, and 70% neutral French oak
497 Cases Produced
"A polished and perfumed Sangre in the same family as our favorite vintages: 2006, 2008 and 2010. While it certainly doesn’t lack power, it wows with its silky fruit and seductive structure. Just open enough to enjoy today and endowed with the muscle to last a decade, this Sangre showcases the maturing syrah vines at Jonata. It seems to gain momentum with every new vintage. Certainly no shrinking violet…more of a rose about to bloom." Matt Dees, Winemaker
99 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com August 2017
94 Points Wine Advocate August 2017
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
48% Syrah, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 9% Merlot, 2% Sangiovese, 5% Misc. others (white and red).
14.4% Alc
18% new French oak, 82% neutral French oak
2,181 Cases Produced
"Incense and Nag Champa fragrance. Bidis. Clove and cigar and black and red licorice. Dark and brooding with sweet blackberries, blueberries, cinnamon and baking spice. Black figs. Cracked white pepper. Like 2013 Todos in its power and breadth. Salty and tight today. Spicy and dark. Lovely depth of fruit. Tannins that start to build on the 3/4 pallet and slowly coat the entire mouth. Bundle of fruit wrapped in a formidable package of complex structure. Will reward those who decant and those who give it a few years in the cellar. One of my favorite Todos to date, no doubt." Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
93 Points- Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
45% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 9% Petite Sirah, 5% Merlot and 6% Misc Other Varietals
2,640 Cases Produced
"Savory, earth-driven and lifted by floral aromatics. Violet candies, balsamic, nutmeg, espresso bean, black pepper, black cherry and ripe blackberry. Stunning, graceful and complete. Polished and drinking beautifully today directly out of the bottle. The definition of balance. Robust dark fruit, buoyed by energetic acidity and buffered by soft and coating tannins. A seamless and approachable Todos. Highlighting syrah on the nose with a strong cabernet sauvignon voice on the palate. The complex and layered structure is a ten-variety ensemble effort. Fascinating and sumptuous." Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
93-95 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More44% Syrah, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Sirah, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc
2370 Cases Produced
"As always Todos possesses the most exotic, complex and compelling aromatics of the lineup. Highlighted by black truffle, jasmine, five spice, black pepper and clove. Driven by dried blueberry, Mission fig and aged balsamic. Hints of dried tobacco, mint and baking chocolate combine with a tidal wave of velveteen black fruit on the palate. A wine of extreme power, but also delicate and proportional balance. Strikes me as the most approachable Todos since 2006 and also possibly the finest since that date." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
94+ Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More50% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Viognier, 1% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Sémillon
2,426 Cases Produced
"The ultimate expression of Jonata in the glass; a rare example of the confluence of chaos and seamless unity. Syrah is the first to contribute to the aromas with mulberry, black truffle and a note of green peppercorns. Cabernet shows up next with red fruit and cooling herbs. All the grapes show their true colors as the fruit moves across the palate. Black plum skin and violets. Fruit wrapped in velvet. Layered and mouthwatering tannins. Lovely notes of black pepper spice on finish that speaks to our cold nights on the property. As with the best Todos vintages, it is endowed with a push of fruit that goes on and on." Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2018
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
56% Syrah, 14% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Sangiovese, 7% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Viognier
2042 Cases Produced
"Lovely balance between savory and sweet. Blackberry and black cherry, Mesquite and black truffle. Notes of violets, pepper and five spice powder. Floral, fruit-driven and effusively aromatic. Smoky, sweet and decadent with a massive core of black fruit. Dusty tannins start early and slowly encompass the entire palate. Earthy and complex, but ultimately round and generous with tannins that stretch the fruit to greater lengths. Tremendous grip. Absolutely beautiful today with some air. A decadent and towering Todos." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown The Wine Advocate September 2017
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
Expansive and focused, savory and chewy. This blend represents the perfect lens through which to view the confluence of the Santa Barbara sun and the Jonata sandy soils. A perfect match.
2450 Cases Produced
“Lifted aromatic combination of fruit and spice; cabernet sauvignon meets syrah. Then viognier joins the mix. Exotic and true representation of the 11 varieties grown at the Jonata property. In a year of structure and seriousness, this wine brings the hedonism. Soft, plush and complex. Absolutely gorgeous. This wine delivers everything that we hope to see from Todos.” Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com August 2017
94+ Points Wine Advocate August 2017
91 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
Expansive and focused, savory and chewy. This blend represents the perfect lens through which to view the confluence of the Santa Barbara sun and the Jonata sandy soils. A perfect match.
40% new French oak, 60% neutral French oak
2436 Cases Produced
"More open and red in its profile than the dark and brooding Sangre. Constantly changing nose of strawberries, raspberry, pastis, sage, tobacco and grilled meat. Massive scoop of sweet red fruit/sweet cream on palate that quickly moves to savory cured meat notes. Remains fresh and charming and moves seamlessly to the chalky and coating tannins that emerge on the mineral-driven finish. Notes of Mexican chocolate. Tremendous life ahead." Matt Dees, Winemaker
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck The Wine Advocate August 2016
91 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2016
51% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
14.1% Alc
60% new French oak, 40% twice used French oak
776 Cases Produced
"Classic example of JONATA’s red, black and green. Cacao, scorched earth and espresso bean. Dark and dusty. Cacao nibs. Chicory coffee. Dried figs. Herbal mint and sage. Like the other 2019 reds, this is defined by a feeling that is dark and brooding, but so alluring. Classic merlot nose. Powerful and chalky. So persistent with good density and force. Lifted and toasty. A bit reminiscent of the elegant 2014 in its tightness and structure, but in the end, it is a more powerful and complete blend. A bundle of energy for sure. Still tightly coiled, but ultimately perfectly endowed and balanced." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95+ Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
94 Points- Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
728 Cases Produced
"Exotic and dusty nose with focus on cassis, mocha, cedar, dried strawberry, espresso and wild blackberry. Silky, lithe and finely structured. Reminiscent of the 2017, but with finer bones. Approachable, but also a lock for a long and refined evolution in bottle. A blend that wins with its texture. Long and seamless. A thrilling bottle today that is chalky and dense and yet so smooth. Elegance and refinement. Balanced and utterly satisfying. A classic in the making. Red, black and green." Matt Dees, Winemaker
96 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
95-97 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot
630 Cases Produced
"Heady and perfumed with an intoxicating nose that immediately pulls you in with notes of ripe black fruit, almond brioche and violets. New leather, cracked peppercorns and blackberry preserves. Espresso beans. Generous and luxurious fruit saturates the palate. A wine of breadth and power that also boasts a truly silky texture.Stays buoyant and lively through the finish. To my palate this represents the most complete and compelling Fenix to date. So compelling that it is difficult to not drink this wine today. Decadent today, but also poised for further development and blossoming in the cellar." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
615 Cases Produced
"Blackberry, loam, elderberry, cacao, graphite and baking spice. Massive wine that somehow manages to remain delicately focused. Impenetrable and dense. Grounded by delicious and fine, chalky tannins. The joy here undoubtedly lies in the unctuous layers of black and red fruit that form a cascade in the middle of this wine. Early accumulation of fresh and delectable tannins that pushes with fruit through the long and graceful finish." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2018
97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
93-95 Points William Kelley The Wine Advocate April 2018
47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
537 Cases Produced
"Intense and brooding aromatics of dark chocolate, mint, blackberry and dried mushrooms. Dense and sweet black fruit on the attack and a classy velvet feel. Seamless texture with enticing notes of clove and fig. Savory and herbal notes from cabernet franc lift the blend. Black fruit is buffered by a wall of muscular, yet fine grained structure. A merlot-based wine of unabashed power, yet undeniable finesse." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93+ Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown The Wine Advocate September 2017
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
54% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
75% new French oak, 25% neutral French oak
508 Cases Produced
"Crushed raspberry, fresh tobacco, peat and smoke lead the way on this serious expression of merlot. Pretty and inviting on the nose, then taut and structured with intense black plum and cedar on the palate. Expands and stretches with air to become both sweet and chewy. More plush and round today than its cabernet counterparts. Elegance and pleasure" Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com August 2017
93+ Points Wine Advocate August 2017
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
65% merlot, 30% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot
75% new French oak, 25% neutral French oak
435 Cases Produced
Robust and sexy. A veritable black hole of sweet black fruit and structure. Layers and layers of powdered tannins. Rose petals and cinnamon. Red licorice and dried strawberry. Soft and pillow-like mid palate attack. Immense. Supremely rich. Huge push of herb-laced bold fruit with notes of cedar. Erupts with wonderful fruit push on the finish. Cacao tannins. Salted caramel and toasty oak. Lingers with nuance of dried blueberries and charred steak.
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck The Wine Advocate August 2016
94 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2016
100% Sangiovese
14.1% Alc
20 months in neutral French oak
47 Cases Produced
"Earthy, mineral-tinged and perfectly lifted vintage of JONATA sangiovese. Red cherry, cinnamon, mint and black tea. Soft and plush, then persistent and savory. Worn leather. Stunning in its purity and elegance. Great combination of depth and freshness. Slowly binding and then releases a layer of fine tannins that leave a perfect sensation of sangiovese savoriness and subtlety." Matt Dees, Wnemaker
94 Points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
91 Points- Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
100% Sangiovese
48 Cases Produced
"A tightly coiled sangiovese today. Highlighted by notes of cinnamon stick, tart raspberry, porcini, prosciutto and then generous black cherry. Subtle hints of juniper and mint. Wild strawberry. Fresh and compact with a saline finish gently shrouded in chalky, sweet tannins. Lively and youthful. Bright red in appearance and overall mood. An elegant and fine Tierra to lay down for a few years" Matt Dees, Winemaker
94 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
90-92 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More100% Sangiovese
75 Cases Produced
"A refreshingly earthy and old school version of Tierra. Packed with dried sage, blackberry, black licorice and cranberry. Driven by black plum and black cherry. Salty and briney and so savory. Classic Tierra notes of fennel sausage. Defined by darkness and mystery today as it is still tight. Shows signs of future supple and generous fruit. Ready for grilled tomahawk steak and crispy smashed potatoes." Matt Dees, Winemaker
71 Cases Produced
100% Sangiovese
"A rather serious and powerful Tierra and a sangiovese to be reckoned with. Heady black fruit matched with dried sage and rosemary. Classic Tierra notes of prosciutto and raspberries. Round and supple. Generous and highly polished wine that offers tremendous drinking pleasure even at this early stage. No doubt to be a winner in the cellar as well. Juicy and elegant with immense fruit and power." Matt Dees, Winemaker
91 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2018
92 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
90-93 Points William Kelley The Wine Advocate April 2018
100% Sangiovese
68 Cases Produced
"Purity of sangiovese flavors. Bright red fruit with notes of sage and cured meat. Black cherry, dried tobacco and mint. Tight and reserved, yet showing signs of a powerful core of raspberry fruit. Extremely fine tannins and an impressive backbone of acidity. A sincere and sophisticated sangiovese from our best plot of vines. Suave and full of kinetic energy." Matt Dees, Winemaker
91 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown The Wine Advocate September 2017
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
100% Sangiovese
25% new French oak, 75% neutral French oak
120 Cases Produced
"Fascinating combination of raspberry jam, dried tobacco and cocoa on the nose. Opens up to balsamic fig jam with olive tapenade and savory prosciutto aromas. Earth driven on the palate with fine dusty tannins. Graphite notes mingle with smoke on the perfectly rustic finish. A wine defined completely by place, not fruit weight nor sweetness. Truly from the earth. A direct link to the Jonata soils." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck The Wine Advocate August 2016
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2016
100% Petit Verdot
84 Cases Produced
"Black plum and Asian five spice. The most aromatically captivating wine in the lineup. Startling. Stops you in your tracks. Everything is purple and black and perfumed. Tantalizing play between sweet, spicy and savory. As always, a soulful and sincere expression of this often misunderstood grape. Not lacking tannins, but rather enhanced by their surprising suppleness. Elegant, complex and graceful. Soy, balsamic, mulberry, white peppercorn and black tea. Fresh and refined. Invigorating finish with spirited acidity, fine and powdery structure and the essence of candied blackberry. 100% whole cluster petit verdot…what did you expect?" Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
93-95 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
Read More100% Petit Verdot
69 Cases Produced
"The ristretto of wines. A singular wine that is certainly not soon to be forgotten. Ominous and brooding nose. Bottomless black fruit with cinnamon and Asian five spice. Szechuan peppercorn. All the internal intensity of unsweetened black cherry juice. Formidable wall of tannins that plays well with the refreshingly bright acid. Certainly not a shrinking violet." Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
100% Petit Verdot
50 Cases Produced
"Have to taste this wine to believe it. Acts like a red wine reduction with its intensity and concentration. Tight on the attack. Aromatic black tea and sweet spice. Incense and inner-perfume. Reminiscent of steeped blackberry tea. Unforgettable sensation of generous black fruit with beautifully drying tannins. Finest and most formidable Fuerza to date." Matt Dees, Winemaker
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
Read More100% Petit Verdot
75% new French oak, 25% neutral French oak
43 Cases Produced
“A very special house favorite; near and dear to the entire production team. Expressive and explosive. Spice, bold fruit and unrivaled energy all wrapped up in a perfectly balanced package. Surprised that a bottle can hold it. Juicy on the palate with black cherry, cracked black pepper and notes of pipe smoke. Perfumed perfection from 100% whole cluster petite verdot.” Matt Dees, Winemaker
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
94 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sémillon
14.5% Alc
11 months in 1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French oak and 1/3 stainless tank
218 Cases Produced
"One can sense the depth of the wine just based on the initial aroma from the glass. This one is special. A new era for Flor. Golden and absolutely glowing. Agave syrup, nectarine, truffled sweet corn and yuzu. Creamy texture, but also freakishly electric and alive. Chamomile and lime zest, Acacia honey and lemon bar. Rich and undeniably powerful, but never heavy nor out of its elegant balance. Unlike any previous Flor in its fruit expression, generosity on the palate and ultimately a seamless finish. Lemon bar, powdered sugar finish. Candied but so serious at the same time. Shows the ripe fruit from 2020 and our improved use of lees in the cellar." Matt Dees, Winemaker
Read More97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Sémillon
286 Cases Produced
"Sophisticated, complex and utterly satisfying vintage of Flor. Explosively aromatic with notes of honeysuckle, lemon grass, candied ginger, white rose and lemon bar. The palate weight is luxurious with nuances reminiscent of honeycomb and loquat and large, crunchy flakes of sea salt. Suave and expansive. Feels like a silk pillowcase. Lovely convergence of fruit density, saline notes, buoyant and refreshing acidity and pure Jonata/Flor power. Gravel driveway after a rainstorm. Compact and powerful vintage. Compelling and complete. A texturally and structurally towering white wine. One of the great Flor bottlings." Matt Dees, Winemaker
Read More
90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon
275 Cases Produced
"As Flor is such a consistent and singular wine, I find that so much of the pleasure lies in the nuances; the subtle changes from year to year that clearly reflect the vintage growing conditions. The 2018 is a classic with lemon curd, chamomile, grapefruit and honey on the nose. A very lifted and exotic vintage. The defining aspect of this version can be found in its seamless and plush texture. It absolutely floats across the palate with white peach and honeysuckle. The 2018 Flor definitely benefitted from the extra hang time under perfect ripening conditions that defined the year. Finishes with the vibrant acidity, lime pith structure and sea salt lift that have defined this wine since 2005. A worthy successor and challenger to the epic 2017 Flor." Matt Dees, Winemaker
94 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous
91 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com
90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon
275 Cases Produced
"Classic Flor lime pith qualities with more radiant citrus notes of grapefruit. Pure and focused. A vintage of balance and extravagant texture. Polished and well-proportioned. Lemon verbena, green melon, chamomile. Key lime and agave. Chalky essence on refreshing and vibrant finish. Saline and seamless. Formal and reserved Flor. Utterly elegant and complete." Matt Dees, Winemaker
92-94 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com October 2018
Read More
88% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Sémillon
255 Cases Produced
"Statuesque Flor from a near perfect sauvignon blanc vintage. Showing the vine maturity in its level of polish and precision. Certainly not lacking power. Crushed rock, agave, sea salt, lime and pineapple guava. Voluptuous and fresh. Saline and herbal. Green melon and grapefruit. Sleek and silky. Endless finish led by the electricity of the acid." Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points William Kelley The Wine Advocate April 2018
92-94 Points Jeb Dunnuck Jebdunnuck.com August 2017
80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sémillon
1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French oak, 1/3 stainless tank
229 Cases Produced
“Creamy and luxurious, but with a perfect wild streak of freshness and an exotic background. Classic Flor notes of lime, chamomile and ginger. Dense, but light on its feet. Displays the remarkable 2015 concentration from extremely low yields. An exceptionally elegant and powerful blend, even by our high Flor standards.” Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com August 2017
93+ Points Wine Advocate August 2017
89 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous August 2017
90% sauvignon blanc, 10% sémillon
1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French oak, 1/3 stainless tank
275 Cases Produced
"A blend in perfect balance. Fresh and delicate, but also ripe and wild. Essence of white peach. Juicy with sage, citrus oil and mint. Lemon cucumber and dried apricot on the palate. Jasmine lift. Succulent and bright. Light tannins on finish, which give the impression of peach skin. Most complete Flor we’ve seen." Matt Dees, Winemaker
92 Points Jeb Dunnuck The Wine Advocate August 2016
93 Points Antonio Galloni Vinous September 2016
The Plant Kid. Discovering the magic of Jonata’s sandy soils in Ballard Canyon.
Read MoreNurturing Nature
Matt Dees of cult California estate Jonata tells Gerrie Lim how he came of age as a soil scientist who enjoys the vagaries of winemaking.
Tucked among the hills of Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley is a 600 acre laboratory where fascinating oenological experiments are carried out by Matt Dees. An alumnus of the University of Vermont and a veteran of the very different growing conditions of New Zealand and Napa Valley, Dees now presides over the complex winemaking at Jonata.
Read MoreOn a warm afternoon in the spring of 2004, Matt Dees was doing something that no professor, no instructor, had taught him. As the winemaker for Jonata, in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, stood in a vineyard, he squinted a bit, and listened. He was attempting to hear how dry the leaves were.
Read MoreIndividuality is the watchword in this still-emerging region, says Katie Kelly Bell. Visit soon for a taste of California’s frontier spirit when the critically acclaimed Jonata winery was exploring initial vineyard sites in Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley back in 2000, it invited select experts from across the globe to advise on everything from vineyard placement to density.
Read MoreAbout a decade ago, a trio of wealthy men brought one of France’s most renowned wine experts to a sandy patch of land in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. With wine grapes on their mind, they asked the man which ones they should grow and where. After scouring the 600-acre property off of Ballard Canyon Road, Château Latour’s Frédéric Engerer located a scant five acres where grapes might work.
Read MoreJONATA-The Name
JONATA - The Beauty of Sand
Fenix: A Profound Wine
JONATA - Todos Vineyard Blend
Why join a subscription for JONATA? It is all about access. We find immense joy in producing world-class, small lot wines that excite people from around the world. While it is our custom to offer the majority of our wines on strict allocation, demand outpaces production and we are unable to guarantee access to all allocation members.
As a subscription member of JONATA:
• Enjoy guaranteed allocations of our most acclaimed wines automatically
• Priority access to additional releases, unique library selections
• Complimentary shipping ($1.00*) by UPS Ground or 2nd Day Air
• Invitations to unique member experiences
• Priority access to a range of events hosted by JONATA and our sister winery The Hilt Estate.
We are thrilled to offer two subscription levels to match your interests. While allocation selections are subject to the discretion of JONATA, where possible, modest customization of subscription shipments will be allowed. Additional details on each subscription are listed below.
*Additional charges will apply for overnight shipping as well as international shipments.
JONATA TWELVE
Subscription members will receive four (4) bottles each of the three wines that embody the spirit of defiance and dedication that are hallmarks of JONATA Estate El Desafio Cabernet Sauvignon, El Alma Cabernet Franc and La Sangre Syrah.
Total Bottles: 12
Average Annual Cost: Between $2,100-$2,400
Plus local sales tax and shipping as applicable.
JONATA EIGHTEEN
Subscription members will receive a generous six (6) bottles each of the three wines that embody the spirit of defiance and dedication that are hallmarks of JONATA Estate, El Desafio Cabernet Sauvignon, El Alma Cabernet Franc and La Sangre Syrah.
Total Bottles: 18
Average Annual Cost: Between $3,150-$3,600
plus local sales tax and shipping as applicable.
*Additional charges will apply for overnight shipping as well as international shipments.
JONATA wine experiences are offered at our sister winery The Hilt Estate in their new tasting room The Barn.
The Hilt Estate is a dramatic property located within a 30 minute drive west of JONATA in Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Located just miles from the Pacific Ocean near the intersection of the historic Highway 1 and Santa Rosa Road, The Barn at The Hilt Estate is ideally situated as the starting or ending point for a Santa Barbara wine trip.
With wines from two renowned estates—JONATA and The Hilt—The Barn at The Hilt Estate offers one of the most diverse lineups of wine in Santa Barbara County. From highly acclaimed pinot noirs and chardonnays from The Hilt to JONATA's sought after Bordeaux varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and Rhône varietal syrah, there is something for every palate.
Experiences are by appointment only. The Barn at The Hilt Estate is now open and accepting reservations. Several tasting flights are available offering something for everyone from the wine curious, to the wine advanced. All tastings are led by a knowledgeable team of wine experts.
All visitors must be at least 21 years of age. Animals are not permitted in any of our indoor or outdoor tasting spaces with the exception of service animals.
Contact us at 805-564-8581 for additional questions.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND RESERVE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Marketing, Press, Event Participation & Donation Inquiries:
Jessica Trujillo
P: 707.372.0195
E: jessica@jonata.com
Subscriptions/Memberships:
Krista St. Vincent
P: 805.335.7874
E: krista@thehiltestate.com
Jonata
2240 Santa Rosa Road
Lompac, CA 93436
P: 805.564.8581
F: 805.456.0292
National Sales Director:
Natalie Vaclavik
P: 512.739.9025
E: natalie@jonata.com
National Sales Manager:
Drew Stapp
P: 805.233.4214
E: drewstapp@jonata.com
Export Sales Manager:
Thibault Jacquet
P: +33 68 4664099
E: thibault@jonata.com
Winery Direct Sales Manager:
Danielle Dally
P: 805.705.9006
E: danielle@jonata.com
Appointment Only
Our new tasting room is now open.
Please visit our Experience page to book your appointment or call us at 805.564.8581