Offering up beautiful Cabernet character, the 2011 El Desafio de Jonata is gorgeous and very Bordeaux like given its density and tannin profile. Blackberry, currants, spice and floral nuances all emerge from the glass and this elegant, layered 2011 has full-bodied richness and depth. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it through 2026. Drink 2016-2026. This was an incredible tasting with winemaker Matt Dees. This estate continues to produce some of the most impressive, long-lived wines in Santa Barbara. As I’ve learned from past tasting, it’s always best to schedule this appointment at the end of the day as these effort have no shortage of tannin and can wreak havoc on one’s palate. While I’ve routinely tasted the La Sangre de Jonata for a number of years now, it was great to be able to go back through past vintages of this estate’s other wines. In addition to these efforts bottled under the Jonata label, I was also able to taste their The Hilt and The Pairing releases, both of which are also reviewed in this report (and highly recommended). Tel. (805) 564-8581; www.jonata.com