My recent trip to Los Olivos reminded me that I have a couple of wines from my April 2022 family reunion still to post. I’m not sure who brought us the Greg Norman Estates wine, but a niece-in-law brought the Jonata wine. While I was stuck at the older siblings table drinking a fine Burgundy (not my wheelhouse), the junior cousins were enjoying this delicious big red blend. I almost missed out!
Jonata was on my list of wineries to visit during my recent trip, but, while their wine came from Ballard Canyon AVA, their tasting room was closer to the coast. I’ll put it on my list for next time. Be sure to check out their website below for all details.
About Greg Norman Estates: “Greg Norman, known as much for his entrepreneurial spirit in the boardroom as his dominance on the golf course, is arguably the most successful athlete-turned-businessman. His unyielding approach to both golf and life earned him the nickname, The Great White Shark. Created from a family passion and strengthened by determination, Greg Norman Estates, founded in 1996, is a collection of fine wines sourced from stunning wine regions in California, New Zealand, and Greg’s homeland of Australia. The selected growing regions are appreciated for the incredible wines they produce and the personal influence they have had on the Norman family over Greg’s many years professionally touring the world. A strong believer in the role of wine as part of an active, easygoing lifestyle, Greg’s aim is to produce approachable yet bold wines to be enjoyed by family, fans and wine enthusiasts alike.”
About Jonata: “The Jonata name refers to an 1845 Mexican land grant, Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, which covers expansive territory across the Santa Ynez Valley. The winery’s estate can be found at the heart of this area…”
“…THE 30-MILE CORRIDOR of the Santa Ynez Valley offers up a diverse array of personalities for grapes and terroir. The warmer area in the eastern section—known as Happy Canyon—is producing revelation-worthy Bordeaux varieties. Meanwhile, on the east-to-west foothills of Buellton, the Sta. Rita Hills serves as a mecca for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But for Rhône varieties, there may be no better AVA than Ballard Canyon not only in the Valley, but perhaps anywhere in the United States. Ballard Canyon, running north and south, gets the best of both regions, with a cooling marine influence from the west blended with the moderation of the warmer Happy Canyon. The result of this mixed climate puts this region on the map as Syrah country. There are less than 20 Ballard Canyon wine estates: Some sit on limestone, some on clay, and some on sand (or a combination of the three). At Jonata’s 586-acre estate, the farm pastures are lined with goats, sheep, and chickens. Off of the ranch, 84 vines are planted to grapes on rectangular-shaped Careaga sandstone. Winemaker Matt Dees, a former plant science major at the University of Vermont, began making wine 20 years ago and traversed from Australia to Napa to New Zealand before he began working for Jonata Owner Stan Kroenke in 2004…” Click on About Jonata above if you want to read the whole Somm Journal article about Ballard Canyon, Jonata, and its winemaker Matt Dees.
Today, I am presenting just 2 wines. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. Sadly, my tasting notes are from my own memory and rather skimpy. When 25 people are dining at your house for 3 days in a row, something has to give!
2017 Greg Norman Estates Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 13.9% ABV, $14 (#845)
Winery Notes: “Vivid aromas of fresh strawberry and ripe red cherry supported by sweet clove and forest floor notes. The palate is juicy with bright flavors that mirror the nose. The well balanced, lively acidity that is a hallmark of Pinot Noirs from Santa Barbara makes it an ideal partner with many cuisines.” 12 months in seasoned French oak and stainless steel.
My Notes: I don’t recall much about this wine except that it seemed fairly representative of an inexpensive, Central Coast Pinot Noir.
2016 Jonata Todos Red Wine, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Ynez AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.9% ABV, $50 (#846)
Winery Notes: “Lovely balance between savory and sweet. Blackberry and black cherry, Mesquite and black truffle. Notes of violets, pepper and five spice powder. Floral, fruit-driven and effusively aromatic. Smoky, sweet and decadent with a massive core of black fruit. Dusty tannins start early and slowly encompass the entire palate. Earthy and complex, but ultimately round and generous with tannins that stretch the fruit to greater lengths. Tremendous grip. Absolutely beautiful today with some air. A decadent and towering Todos. 50% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Viognier, 1% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Sémillon. 2,426 Cases Produced. Matt Dees, Winemaker 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck | 92 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.”
My Notes: Just from memory, I recall this as a big, voluptuous wine. Resplendent with delicious dark, jammy berries, smooth on the palate. I liked this wine.
Greg Norman Estates, located in Paso Robles, has no opportunity for public tastings.
Tasting Jonata Wines – check out the EXPERIENCES tab on their website. Tastings are by appointment only: “JONATA wine experiences are offered at our sister winery The Hilt Estate in their new tasting room The Barn. The Hilt Estate is a dramatic property located within a 30 minute drive west of JONATA in Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Located just miles from the Pacific Ocean near the intersection of the historic Highway 1 and Santa Rosa Road, The Barn at The Hilt Estate is ideally situated as the starting or ending point for a Santa Barbara wine trip.
“With wines from two renowned estates—JONATA and The Hilt—The Barn at The Hilt Estate offers one of the most diverse lineups of wine in Santa Barbara County. From highly acclaimed pinot noirs and chardonnays from The Hilt to JONATA’s sought after Bordeaux varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and Rhône varietal syrah, there is something for every palate…”
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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