2016 Jonata La Sangre de Jonata

A blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier aged in 25% new French oak, the 2016 La Sangre de Jonata has an opaque purple-black color and wonderfully dense, savory nose of cracked black pepper, cassis, blackberry pie, cocoa and licorice with boysenberry preserves, peppered meat and graphite. Full-bodied, dense and lush, it's framed by firm, pleasantly chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and minerally. 530 cases will be released this fall.

The 2016 La Sangre de Jonata (98% Syrah and 2% Viognier) is a beautiful follow on to the sensational 2015 and has a layered, multi-dimensional, massive profile. Blackcurrants, blackberries, lavender, bacon fat, and spring flower notes all flow to a seriously rich, powerful wine that stays light and graceful, with awesome tannin quality. It's another tour de force that reminds me of the 2007. It shuts down with extended air time (I followed this bottle for two days) and while it can certainly be enjoyed today, it won't hit prime time for another 4-6 years and should keep for two decades or more.

The 2016 La Sangre de Jonata is a wine of real substance and depth. In 2016, the La Sangre is distinguished by its red fruit profile, freshness and vibrant, focused personality, all of which should allow it to age gracefully for a number of years. The 2016 is not as overt as some previous versions have been, but that is probably a very good thing for its longer term prospects. Time in the glass brings out the wine's underlying richness and pedigree.