Jonata 2017 Le Sangre Syrah, Ballard Canyon Santa Ynez – 97 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “Incorporating 2% Viognier, the Syrah-dominated 2017 La Sangre De Jonata reveals a saturated purple color as well as a heavenly bouquet of cassis, blueberries, crushed violets, spring flowers, and ground pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully balanced, and seamless on the palate, it has polished tannins, no hard edges, and just awesome purity of fruit. While it shows the more focused, elegant style of the vintage, its tannins are beautifully managed, giving it more upfront charm than some past vintages (which is a good thing).”

Vinous 95 Points: “The 2017 La Sangre de Jonata has really come together over the last year. Today, it is aromatically explosive, rich and hedonistic. Grilled herbs, menthol, plum, black cherry, lavender and sage are some of the many notes that develop in this extravagantly beautiful, expressive wine from Jonata. In 2017, La Sangre is marked by more of a red fruit profile than in the past, along with silkier tannins that will make it easy to drink and enjoy with minimal cellaring.”

Matt Dees, Winemaker: “Driven by a floral and powdered nose with a striking element of violets. Towering aromatics. Elderberry-like. Supple and sleek on the palate with characteristic black and blue Sangre fruit, black pepper, white truffle and an overall sense of Luxardo cherries. Finishes with freshness and a push of dark fruit that doesn’t want to stop. By far the most elegant and approachable Sangre to date. No need for a decade in the cellar, but this will also certainly repay those with patience. Pop and pour today. One of the most expressive and evocative bottles we’ve ever produced.”

FYI: Jonata is owned by Stan Kroenke, owner of Screaming Eagle