2012 La Sangre de Jonata

The 2012 La Sangre de Jonata presents a super-polished expression of Syrah, with more than enough nuance to balance some of the more overt elements in the glass. Intense, varietally true aromatics and silky tannins only add to the wine's considerable appeal. A dollop of Viognier and a touch of whole clusters give the 2012 is highly appealing upper register. Winemaker Matt Dees aged the 2012 mostly in larger-format French oak barrels, with 35% new wood.

Reminding me of a top Hermitage, the 2012 La Sangre de Jonata checks in as a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that's aged primarily in neutral and larger oak barrels. It's flat-out gorgeous in 2012 and gives up tons of black raspberry, crushed violets, cracked pepper and hints of game. Full-bodied, seamless, silky and fabulously pure, it has good acidity and fine tannin that come through on the finish. Give it a few years and enjoy bottles through 2032.

Deeper and richer, the 2012 La Sangre de Jonata is an incredible looking blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that’s aging in just 35% new French oak. Seeing 10% whole clusters, it’s another serious, savory vintage of this cuvee that has layers of dark fruits, ground pepper, coffee bean, chocolate and hints of iron in its full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, yet balanced and layered personality. While there’s massive tannin here, they stay nicely integrated, and there’s beautiful freshness and purity on the finish as well. It will benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and have 15-20 years of overall longevity. This was another stacked lineup by the team at Jonata, and this is always one of my favorite tastings. However, due to the mouth-damaging levels of tannin and structure these wines show in their youth, this is one tasting I have to schedule at the end of day! Tel. (805) 564-8581; www.jonata.com