THE STORY
As K&L Wine Merchants Insiders, we often get access to wines at special prices. My better half’s approach to wine buying is to hunt for highly rated wines at a discount – or wine otherwise not available. That’s how we acquired today’s wine.
I last presented a Jonata wine (the 2016 Todos) here: Family Reunion Yields More Santa Barbara County Wines!
THE WINERY
About Jonata: “Dedicated to expressing a range of red—and a handful of white—wines from its estate in the Central Coast of California’s Ballard Canyon appellation within Santa Ynez Valley, Jonata is one of a new breed of producers throughout the world who are thriving with a non-traditional amalgam of varieties and blends. With a commitment in particular to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, and informed by cutting edge viticulture, winemaking and a polyface approach to their estate, the Jonata wines are on the vanguard of an emerging quality movement in California winegrowing.”
THE WINE
Today, I am presenting just 1 Jonata wine. Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.
2019 Jonata Todos “Everyone” Red Wine Vineyard Blend, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, 14.5% ABV, $50 (#1510) 48% Syrah, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 9% Merlot, 2% Sangiovese, 5% Misc. others (white and red)
Winery Notes: “Incense and Nag Champa fragrance. Bidis. Clove and cigar and black and red licorice. Dark and brooding with sweet blackberries, blueberries, cinnamon and baking spice. Black figs. Cracked white pepper. Like 2013 Todos in its power and breadth. Salty and tight today. Spicy and dark. Lovely depth of fruit. Tannins that start to build on the 3/4 pallet and slowly coat the entire mouth. Bundle of fruit wrapped in a formidable package of complex structure. Will reward those who decant and those who give it a few years in the cellar. One of my favorite Todos to date, no doubt.” Matt Dees, Winemaker
Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Buyer: “Every year this wine gives a great insight to the phenomenal wines of Jonata Estate (which just so happens to be the SoCal sister property to Screaming Eagle in Napa). The 2019 Todos is simply spectacular and truly gives the high-end bottling from Jonata a run for their money in every way. Built around a powerful, muscular core of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is masterfully composed to include at least a small amount of everything grown on the estate giving a truly panoramic expression of a given vintage. Jonata’s Matt Dees is well know as one of the most talented winemakers of his generation with many 100-point wines to his name, and a plethora of the best vineyard sites across Santa Barbara County at his disposal. Jonata’s estate in Ballard Canyon is incredible – intricate blocks of vines put down deep roots in the pure sand soils. The fruit from here is immensely concentrated and presents heightened aromatics and fine-grained tannins. The 19 Todos is redolent with woodsy spices, black raspberry, bramble fruit, charred meat with rubbing spices, some redcurrant paste, bay laurel, crushed rock mineral, subtle oak spices frame the complex mélange of spicy, brambly, smokey fruit. Reminiscent of something from the northern Rhone, but with a little more density and hints of singed cedar from the Cabernet. Such a fascinating and layered wine. I’m also certain this wine has 10+ years of positive development, and probably 20+ years of excellent drinking ahead of it. A very serious wine for a very modest price point.”
Wine Enthusiast – 97 points: “Winemaker Matt Dees is considered one of the best winemakers anywhere, and this blend is ample reason to believe the hype. Intense, focused and dry but rich aromas of dark fruit, roasted wood, crushed rocks and wild herb enliven the nose, while the palate is weighty yet expertly tense. Flavors of dried red fruit, peppery spice and milk chocolate float into the finish.” — Matt Kettmann, March 2023
My Review: Inky in the glass. Concord grape, dark plum and red fruit notes on the nose. Brambly, dark fruit on the palate. A bit dark and brooding with a touch – just a touch of sweetness. Very smooth. Easy drinking. We enjoyed this wine. November 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
From the Jonata website:
“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.”
You can make a reservation here: The Hilt Estate.
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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