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"The talented winemaking team of Matt Dees and Drew Pickering continue to keep Jonata near the top of the pyramid in Santa Barbara County." ~Jeb Dunnuck

Matt Dees, the talented winemaker behind Jonata, has an impressive resume with vintages at Staglin and Craggy Range, alongside a degree in plant science from the University of Vermont. Now in charge of Screaming Eagle's sister winery, Jonata, Matt’s approach to winemaking is rooted in the vineyard. He believes in letting the vines, soil, and terroir speak for themselves, with his artistry enhancing each vintage. His peers have dubbed him a "natural winemaker," someone born to cultivate extraordinary wines.

Jonata may not share the same price tag as its sibling, Screaming Eagle, but the quality of winemaking is unmistakable in every sip.

“This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery… one of California’s most exciting new wineries.” ~Wine Advocate

Jonata focuses on expressing the unique character of the Ballard Canyon appellation in Santa Ynez Valley, specializing in red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, while also producing a few whites. With cutting-edge viticulture and a non-traditional mix of varieties and blends, Jonata is a leader in California’s emerging quality movement.

In its commitment to sustainability, Jonata uses Polyface farming, a model inspired by Michael Pollan's The Omnivore’s Dilemma. This approach integrates livestock like chickens, turkeys, goats, pigs, and sheep into farming, naturally improving soil health and promoting a balanced ecosystem for both the land and the Jonata community.

57% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Franc. The ultimate expression of Jonata in the glass; a rare example of the confluence of chaos and seamless unity. Syrah is the first to contribute to the aromas with mulberry, black truffle, and a note of green peppercorns. Cabernet shows up next with red fruit and cooling herbs. All the grapes show their true colors as the fruit moves across the palate. Black plum skin and violets. Fruit wrapped in velvet. Layered and mouthwatering tannins. Lovely notes of black pepper spice on the finish that speaks to the cold nights on the property. As with the best Todos vintages, it is endowed with a push of fruit that goes on and on.

Another wine that's just about to be bottled is the 2020 Todos, which is a final blend of 57% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest a mix of varieties. Ripe blueberries, fresh plums, chocolate, and peppery notes all define the nose, and it's full-bodied, with a plush, rounded texture, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It should be a no-brainer purchase. ~95 Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)

The 2020 Todos, as the name says, is Jonata's red blend. Although an entry-level offering, Todos punches above its weight. Dark cherry, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and scorched earth all run through this Syrah-based blend. I loved it. ~92 Vinous Media

This wine has a feral edge to it, as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and bit players come together in a 10-variety ‘kitchen sink’ blend. Pungent floral aromas give way to dark chocolate, mint, and wild mountain blueberries. The palate reflects the same fresh mint notes, with baking spices, pepper bacon, espresso bean and ripe huckleberries. There's a real streak of graphite minerality and a finish marked by cocoa powder. 92 Decanter

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