Yay! My favorite Guest Author, Dick, had us taste a Rhône style blend last week during our regular Sommelier tasting session. He poured the 2014 Jonata Todos. Before I get to Dick’s review, I can tell you that it’s delicious. Okay. Now you can read the review.
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Rhone Blend Redefined
Our group tasted the Jonata 2014 Todos “Everything” Vineyard Blend. A combination of grapes from Ballard Canyon and the result was a consensus that Matt Dees, the Winemaker, has redefined the Rhône Blend. This is a must for any cellar and a wine that’s easy to drink now.
On the nose, you get the traditional Old World earthy scent with coffee grounds, black fruits and a hint of spice. On the palate, there is cranberry, rhubarb, tart cherry, a hint of cigar, spice, and lingering tannins, all of which come together in a full-bodied wine that is very pleasant to drink.
Don’t miss this one!
There have been several versions in past years with varying combinations that have all received accolades for their complexity, a testament to Matt’s innovation and using the best grapes available with each vintage and adjusting the blend each year based upon its individual characteristics. It is difficult to properly blend multiple varietals and have the result an elegant wine, which Matt clearly has mastered.
Matt has an intrinsic feel for wine, from dirt to glass. Curious, earthy and experimental by nature, Matt’s approach to winemaking is grounded in the vineyard first and foremost and attuned to the vines, the weather, the soil. Matt has another very concrete talent: a keen feel for the shapes and dimension of tannin. The result is the Todos which is a blend of 47% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, Merlot, 3% Sangiovese & 2% Viognier.
We have all had variations of the Rhône blend with different percentages and multiple combinations of grapes but this one is exceptional. The addition of the Bordeaux varietals makes this wine an unusual one that is a perfect match to the American palate.
Find the Jonata. Buy it.
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Irene’s Note: I did a little research on this wine and was happy to see that it had garnered the points suitable to its quality. Robert Parker 94 pts and Vinous 91 pts, with the price ranging from $50 to $70.
