Jonata Todos Ballard Canyon 2014 | Finely Crafted Beauty from Winemaker Matt Dees
Jonata Todos Ballard Canyon 2014 presents a deep ruby-purple color. Lip-smacking aromas of blackberry preserves, crushed black cherries, and black pepper, tinged with crushed fresh rosemary, and newly-turned earth. On the palate, this rich red is warm and inviting. In addition, with ripe black and blue fruit preserves, supple and silky tannins, giving way to marvelous bramble and dried herb complexity. Most of all sustained and powerful.
RP94+ | The Jonata Todos Ballard Canyon 2014 reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and pronounced blackberries, blueberry pie and cassis-scented nose with Indian spices and black pepper-laced undercurrent, plus a waft of lavender. Soft, medium-bodied, perfumed and elegant in the mouth, this finely crafted beauty offers great seamlessness and harmony, finishing long and spicy.
About Jonata | Designated as First Growth
Santa Barbara has its own First Growth, and it’s Jonata.In all of Santa Barbara County, one producer—just one—holds the top scores (99 points and 100 points) in the last FIVE vintages: JONATA. Last year, Robert Parker’s longtime critic and star in his own right, Jeb Dunnuck, bestowed 100-point perfection on JONATA’s winemaker Matt Dees. “It’s always a fun tasting with winemaker Matt Dees and his team, and they continue to keep this estate at the top of the hierarchy in Santa Barbara County,” Dunnuck has written.
Dunnuck isn’t alone in his praise of Jonata. “Excellence is the norm,” writes Antonio Galloni of Vinous. Labeling Matt “one of the most brilliant winemakers of his generation. And they’re not alone—the owners of Screaming Eagle think pretty highly of Matt too. They hired Matt in 2004 to shepherd their first harvest, and never looked back. Beginning with the paramount of pedigree, top winemaking talent, and the top producer of Santa Barbara County comes this Jonata Todos Ballard Canyon 2014. Originating from the dynamite Ballard Canyon AVA—probably one of the best place in America outside Napa to grow Bordeaux varieties.
Winemaker Matt Dees
So Jonata struck gold in the form of one of the most brilliant young winemakers in the world. Matt Dees came armed with a degree in soil science from the University of Vermont. And a resume that included cellar stints at Staglin in Napa and Craggy Range in New Zealand. Dees took one look at the unique potential of Jonata’s sandy soil. Another look at how much the owners had already poured into their Oakville winery. And signed on the dotted line. Ballard Canyon would never be the same.
Shop Today’s Finds at Wine Access
While there are some people who are educated toward certain positions in life. And others who are born to assume the. Hence, Matt Dees is what you’d call a natural winemaker. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate praises Matt Dees and his team. Most of all saying, “What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling.
