2006 La Sangre de Jonata

(100% syrah) Inky purple. Intensely perfumed nose displays sexy dark berry, incense and smoky mineral scents. Sweet black raspberry and cassis flavors are brightened by candied violet and tangy minerals, with no meaty or gamey qualities showing. Finishes long and precise, with the mineral note repeating.

The 2006 La Sangre de Jonata reveals more bacon fat, pepper, and meaty notes, but not as much intensity as the 2005. Nevertheless, this is a concentrated, full-bodied effort with fabulous fruit purity, good acidity, and an unmistakable Syrah personality that combines the best of French savoir faire with California fruit. It is a stunning effort from a challenging vintage. This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge. The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling. I have included these cuvees since some of the blends include Rhone varietals.