Jonata Winery
El Desafio de Jonata Ballard Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon
Santa Ynez Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can.
Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can.
Dec 15th, 2025
2021 vintage. Light-medium body but with more stuffing than encountered in the previous 6-7 vintages. Unanticipated frontal-palate richness. Expected, back-end, oomph without massive tannins. Pretty without being precious. Would love to throw this ringer in a Napa and/or BDX tasting. Phenomenal without the cloying weight of the usual suspects. Best Cabernet Sauvignon effort I’ve had from this winery. 01.29.25.
2021 vintage. Light-medium body but with more stuffing than encountered in the previous 6-7 vintages. Unanticipated frontal-palate richness. Expected, back-end, oomph without massive tannins. Pretty without being precious. Would love to throw this ringer in a Napa and/or BDX tasting. Phenomenal without the cloying weight of the usual suspects. Best Cabernet Sauvignon effort I’ve had from this winery. 01.29.25.
Jan 29th, 20252020 vintage. Light-medium body. 10.12.24.
2020 vintage. Light-medium body. 10.12.24.
Oct 13th, 2024Charcuterie night with my lovely wife!
Charcuterie night with my lovely wife!
Yes it was that good. Opened this for friends and it didn’t disappoint. Big Napa Cab like, but from Ballard Canyon. Chocolate notes. Dark fruit. Velvety mouthfeel. Everything you want and then some. Sadly my only bottle.
Yes it was that good. Opened this for friends and it didn’t disappoint. Big Napa Cab like, but from Ballard Canyon. Chocolate notes. Dark fruit. Velvety mouthfeel. Everything you want and then some. Sadly my only bottle.
Mar 20th, 20222017 vintage. No surprise that this is the best Ballard Canyon/SYV cab I've ever had. What is a surprise is that this is the best newer vintage California cab I've had this year. Throw this into your big gun Napa cab blind tasting and see where it ranks. May hafta reevaluate the California cab hierarchy.
2017 vintage. No surprise that this is the best Ballard Canyon/SYV cab I've ever had. What is a surprise is that this is the best newer vintage California cab I've had this year. Throw this into your big gun Napa cab blind tasting and see where it ranks. May hafta reevaluate the California cab hierarchy.
Nov 18th, 2021
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc - Feels more like a classy Bordeaux than a Cal Cab. Has the structure to age well over many years.
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc - Feels more like a classy Bordeaux than a Cal Cab. Has the structure to age well over many years.
Jul 3rd, 2021
