Jonata Winery
El Desafio de Jonata Ballard Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon
Santa Ynez Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can.
Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can.
Dec 15th, 2025
