Jonata : Todos 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for Todos 2018 by Jonata

Tasting

Appearance

Deep, intense purple in colour, the wine coats the sides of the glass, a testament to its remarkable concentration.

Nose

The nose reveals a captivating aromatic complexity, with floral notes of violet alongside balsamic hints and sweet spices such as nutmeg. Aromas of roasted coffee beans and black pepper mingle with ripe black fruits such as blackberry and black cherry, creating a bouquet that is both sophisticated and expressive.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfolds generous black fruit supported by a vibrant acidity that brings liveliness and balance. The tannins are silky and enveloping, with a fine, powdery texture that lends elegance and refinement. The whole is harmoniously structured, with the 14.5% alcohol remaining seamlessly integrated. The long finish shows lovely aromatic definition.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, particularly beef prepared with aromatic herbs. It is also a superb match for game such as venison, especially when served with mushrooms and root vegetables. Dark-meat poultry cooked in rich sauces is another excellent choice.

Serving and ageing

Todos 2018 is ideal for drinking now, yet has the ageing potential to continue developing gracefully for several years. It is best served at a temperature of 16–18°C.

An ambitious Californian blend expressing the diversity of Jonata's terroir

The estate

Founded in 2000, the Jonata estate covers 586 acres in the Ballard Canyon area of California. It is owned by Stan Kroenke, the billionaire entrepreneur who also owns prestigious estates such as Screaming Eagle in the Napa Valley. Under the direction of winemaker Matt Dees, who holds a degree in soil science, Jonata farms 84 acres of vines according to the principles of polyface farming, combining livestock rearing with sustainable viticulture. This holistic approach lies at the heart of the estate and, together with its terroir and its team, forms the three pillars of its philosophy.

The vineyard

The vineyard for Todos 2018 is located in the Ballard Canyon appellation within the Santa Ynez Valley. The vines benefit from a unique terroir of Careaga Sandstone sandy soils, characterised by low fertility and excellent drainage. These rectangular sand particles give the wines a particularly fine tannic structure. The microclimate is distinguished by wide diurnal temperature swings of up to forty degrees Fahrenheit, encouraging slow, balanced ripening of the grapes while preserving their natural freshness.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage is regarded as exceptional in California. From mid-August, temperatures cooled and settled at around 27°C, with constant sunshine until the end of harvest. These ideal conditions allowed perfect phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar accumulation. Harvest began on 15 September with Sangiovese and Merlot, then continued until the end of October under clear skies. Light rain in early October simply cleaned the bunches without disrupting the harvest. This rare vintage combines generous yields with exceptional quality.

Winemaking and ageing

Todos 2018 was vinified plot by plot using indigenous yeasts. Cold maceration is limited to twenty-four hours, followed by a total time on skins of no more than twenty-eight days to preserve the delicate aromas and natural acidity. Pressing is carried out with a traditional Burgundian press to avoid extracting harsh tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in 228- and 350-litre barrels for around eighteen months, with only 18% new oak, allowing the terroir to express itself fully.

Grape varieties

Syrah (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Petit Verdot (14%), Petite Sirah (9%), Merlot (5%) and other varieties (6%).