Tasting Notes
Vinous 92
(a blend based on 61% syrah) Deep violet. High-pitched dark berry aromas are complicated by graphite, floral oils and black olive. Silky blackberry and cassis flavors are brightened by cracked pepper and violet pastille, with fine-grained tannins adding support. Deep and sweet on the finish, but offering impressive vibrancy and bracing minerality. Showing a lot of syrah character today.
Robert Parker 91
The 2004 El Corazon de Jonata is an intriguing combination of 61% Syrah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and a dollop of Sauvignon Blanc. Aged 19 months in 40% new and 60% two-year old French oak, this sensual, sexy, deep ruby/purple-colored wine does not possess the weight or blockbuster impact of the La Sangre de Jonata or the El Desafio de Jonata. It offers loads of fruit, a big, floral, chocolate, coffee, blackberry, and cassis-scented perfume, and a savory, fleshy style with no hard edges. It should drink nicely for a decade or more. It appears 2006 has produced slightly lighter, but high-class wines without the weight and power of the 2005s. The Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc are especially noteworthy. The only wine that did not excite me was a non-vintage blend of 81% sweet botrytised Semillon and 19% Sauvignon Blanc. A combination of 2004, 2005, and 2006, the La Miel de Jonata was decidedly monolithic and one-dimensional compared to the other brilliant wines from this spectacular new producer in the Santa Ynez Valley. Fasten your seatbelts as these wines will give purchasers a serious ride for their money! Tel. (805) 564-8581
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017