The 2004 La Sangre de Jonata (100% Syrah) was aged 19 months in 60% new French oak and 40% two-year old French wood. It offers beautiful chocolate, blackberry, charcoal, acacia flower, and roasted meat characteristics, rich, full-bodied flavors, lovely purity, refreshing acids, and ripe tannin. Drink this powerful yet graceful Syrah over the next 10+ years.
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