2004 El Desafio de Jonata

(92% cabernet sauvignon and 8% merlot) Ruby-red. Pungent herbs and leather complement ripe plum and cherry on the nose. Currently a bit compressed, with slow-to-open dark fruit flavors and youthfully firm tannins adding grip. Showing a sullen personality today, but there appears to be well-delineated dark fruit in there.

A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2004 El Desafio de Jonata’s dark ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of mocha, creme de cassis, pain grille, and a touch of espresso, superb fruit on the attack, a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel, good underlying acidity, and sweet, seamlessly integrated tannin. It should age easily for 10-15 years.

A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2004 El Desafio de Jonata’s dark ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of mocha, creme de cassis, pain grille, and a touch of espresso, superb fruit on the attack, a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel, good underlying acidity, and sweet, seamlessly integrated tannin. It should age easily for 10-15 years. It appears 2006 has produced slightly lighter, but high-class wines without the weight and power of the 2005s. The Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc are especially noteworthy. The only wine that did not excite me was a non-vintage blend of 81% sweet botrytised Semillon and 19% Sauvignon Blanc. A combination of 2004, 2005, and 2006, the La Miel de Jonata was decidedly monolithic and one-dimensional compared to the other brilliant wines from this spectacular new producer in the Santa Ynez Valley. Fasten your seatbelts as these wines will give purchasers a serious ride for their money! Tel. (805) 564-8581