2022 Jonata El Desafio de Jonata
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Tasting notes
The 2022 El Desafio de Jonata is composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, which matured in 75% new 225-liter barrique for 20 months. It leads with a distinctly candied and floral bouquet, lifted from the glass with red fruits and dried flowers with savory tobacco accents. The palate is ripe and svelte, moving into a bright, luscious finish that lingers with drying tannins in need of congealing. This is an excellent showing considering the vintage, and I suspect it will harmonize after a bit more time in the cellar to soften its tannin structure.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release from this team, the 2022 El Desafio De Jonata is based on 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot brought up all in French oak. Its deep ruby hue is followed by a perfumed nose of red, blue, and black fruits as well as spring flowers, spicy oak, and leafy herbs. A more medium to full-bodied, seamless, elegant expression of the cuvée, it has terrific balance, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist yet should have 15+ years of overall longevity.
The 2022 El Desafio de Jonata is another seriously beautiful, vivid wine from Jonata. Vibrant red-toned fruit, spice, cedar, tobacco and orange peel all open in the bouquet. On the palate, the 2022 is quite a bit more reticent. That's probably a good thing for its long-term prospects. I would not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon.
About the producer
Jonata is amongst a handful of truly exciting wineries from Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara – a unique fine wine region of incredible versatility.