Jonata Red Blend Todos Ballard Canyon Santa Ynez Valley 2019

“Winemaker Matt Dees is considered one of the best winemakers anywhere, and this blend is ample reason to believe the hype,” opens Matt Kettmann’s 97 POINT Wine Enthusiast review about the Jonata 2019 Todos vineyard blend. Trust us, this is one red blend that won’t slip into the background of your memory – instead, generating a lasting, captivating impression that will leave you only wanting more. Shipping is included on 4+ bottles, AND the price drops to $49.95 for 6+ bottles! As it were, make sure you load up accordingly, since our limited supplies will not last.

Jonata has been on a climb to the top since its inception in 2004. The 586-acre Santa Ynez Valley estate – with only 84 planted to grapevines – pays honor to the 1845 Spanish land grant, Rancho San Carlos de Jonata. Jonata also means “tall oak” in the local Chumash Indian dialect, which makes sense when you see the sprawling green giants dotted throughout the property. Matt Dees – who has a degree in Soil Science and experience at the likes of Staglin in Napa and Craggy Range in New Zealand – has been leading the winemaking efforts since the winery’s start, leaning heavily on a combination of experience, intuition, science, and creative expression when crafting the unconventional, award-winning wines here.

Over the past two decades, Matt’s wine prowess has catapulted him to becoming known as one of the greatest winemakers of this generation. Piles of adoration have come in from critical darlings, including Jeb Dunnuck, who writes, ““This estate continues to produce some of the most impressive, long-lived wines in Santa Barbara.” Vinous’ Antonio Galloni continues the praise: ““... quality is so consistently high now that excellence is the norm. Matt Dees is one of the most brilliant winemakers of his generation...year in and year out I find myself drawn to Todos for the superb quality and value it offers." The critics have spoken! And we just so happen to vehemently agree.

Todos – translating to “all” or “everyone” – is an apt name for a luxurious and hearty blend of 48% syrah, 26% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petite sirah, 9% merlot, 2% sangiovese, and 5% mixed white and red varieties. Matt Dees himself called the 2019 vintage, “One of my favorite Todos to date, no doubt.” From estate-grown fruit in the sandy soils of Ballard Canyon, the sumptuous blend ages on 18% new French oak and 82% neutral French oak, contributing to a warm and spicy sensation that wraps you up like a tight hug. The blend is meant to give a panoramic view of the estate, incorporating all varieties grown on the breathtaking property (including a tiny spray of white grapes) – though most prominently showcasing the syrah and cabernet sauvignon characters.

Immeasurably balanced, joyously smooth to drink, and compoundingly supple – the wine opens with buckets of ripe black cherries and blackberries, mellowed with dried herbs, toasty cedar, and wet stone aromas. The dark berry avalanche continues on the mouth with more sensations of smoked wood, plus crushed black peppercorn, a just-opened cigar box, a bit of salted milk chocolate, wet soil, dried violets, and some black licorice. The tannins are luscious and creamy-smooth, with a lingering and softly spicy finish that is all too compelling – you won’t even realize how fast your glass is gone until you’re filling up again!

This wine is just beyond stunning, interesting, and layered with nuance – and drinks well and above our $54.95 price point. Don’t forget – 4 or more bottles equals free shipping, and 6 or more drops the price to under $50! Opt for the 6-pack to save big and try something exquisite from one of the generation’s top winemakers, and see for yourself what all the hubbub’s about!