#jonata

A most amazing Sauvignon Blanc: closed and awkward on opening, gently blossoming into a lush bomb of smells and flavors. Clean, light, golden straw in the glass, pear and apple and ridiculous floral gradually coming forward in a lush, medley of lavish fruit. Thick notes clog the nostrils: oak and straight sugar but borne on gracious wings of fermentation and briary lustfullness. Soooo rich and…

Despite all the horrible things I’ve said about Jonata over the years, THIS thing right here is a spectacular thing of beauty. On par with the best BDX Blancs I’ve ever had, the glimmer of Sémillon hitting sweet and tropical before PROPER sauv-blanc strums velvety vegetal and acidic brilliance into a black-walnut finish decades in length. Find it or be sad forever. 2020 Jonata ‘Flor’ SB Ballard…

An Unexpected Surprise from Santa Ynez Valley

Our recent podcast toasted a new film called “Cha Cha Real Smooth” starring Dakota Johnson, a film both Gary and I loved. It is a little surprise of a film filled with heart, humor, and thoughtfulness, reminding us of one of our favorites from last year’s favorite, “Licorice Pizza” or something Richard Linklater would create. For this little feel-good surprise, a wine that conjured up the same…

Wine of the Day: Jonata Todos

From the rolling hills of Ballard Canyon in California’s Central Coast region of Santa Ynez Valley, Jonata Wines is dedicated to crafting premium quality wines from classic Rhone and Bordeaux varieties that thrive in the sun-shine-filled location. The core principle of the winery is to work keeping the environment top of mind, farming their 600 acres, 80 under vine, sustainably without herbicides…