The magic of the 2018 harvest really began to appear in mid-August when the temperatures cooled again and basically remained sunny, mild, and in the eighties for the remainder of the harvest season. The ripening from veraison to harvest occurred under absolutely picture-perfect conditions. This long and slow harvest allowed for beautiful phenological ripening without the abrupt rise in sugar and corresponding dramatic drop in acidity that can result from typical heat spikes.

The harvest at Jonata was tremendous and began on September 15, 2018, with Sangiovese and Merlot being the only grapes brought in that month. The rainfall at the estate from the early October event was minimal. It basically acted to remove the dust from the clusters. The Jonata harvest was roughly 2 weeks later than in 2017 with slow and even ripening throughout. The large majority of red fruit was picked from October 10 through October 26 under clear blue skies.

2018 is one of those rare vintages (unicorn vintages, if you will…) when yields are healthy, and quality is exceptional, defined by subtlety and elegance. They are a pleasure to taste. They appear to be similar to the 2017 reds with that same complexity and charm. These are very exciting wines.

Showcasing the special duality of Ballard Canyon with cool climate syrah aromatics combined with impressive richness and generosity on the palate from the warm days. Floral and spicy with a sublime inner perfume. Black fruit, silky texture, and luxurious tannic structure. Tremendous and seamless expansion of sweet fruit on the palate. Resinous and lingering with an impactful push of dark fruit on the finish. Pipe tobacco, violets, wild blueberry, ripe mulberry, creosote, tar, and white truffle. Most impressive Sangre in recent memory.