Cellar Stocker: Cult Wines Beyond Napa Edition Continues…

And the die-hard cognoscenti know all about Jonata…

“Winemaker Matt Dees continues to fashion world-class wines at Jonata. 2018 is a great vintage for the estate. The wines show the vintage’s fresher, more elegant and seamless style…” says Jeb Dunnuck

Their status as one of the best Central Coast producers is unrivaled and undisputed.

A recent Forbes article spotlights the remarkable investment in this unique winery: “In the case of Jonata, carte blanche, rather than conventional wisdom, seems a mantra, thanks to owner Stan Kroenke and his wife, Ann (daughter of Walmart co-founder James Walton), whose business empire includes… Napa Valley’s prestigious Screaming Eagle winery.”

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous attests “The 2018s from Jonata are positively stellar. Like pretty much most estates, Jonata benefitted from a long, growing season… Over the last few years, the Jonata wines have become increasingly refined and nuanced. That is especially evident in 2018, a year that naturally favors freshness and vibrancy.”

Jest a few cases sadly… as Jeb Dunnuck said you can’t go wrong at this estate!

97 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Cabernet Sauvignon drives the 2018 El Desafio de Jonata. Light on its feet for such a big wine, the Desafio dazzles from the very first taste. Pencil shavings, licorice, lavender, spice, menthol and grilled herbs build in a stunning, deeply pitched Ballard Canyon red that hits all the right notes. The 2018 is simply magnificent. Don’t miss it. Drink 2023-2033.”

95-97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 El Desafio de Jonata has a big Cabernet nose of tobacco leaf and truffly earth as well as beautiful dark fruits, a touch of chocolate, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannin, and a great finish. The balance, polish, and elegance here, paired with plenty of concentration, is superb.”