The 2019 Jonata El Desafio de Jonata is a proprietary red blend from the Santa Ynez Valley in California's Central Coast region. Produced by Jonata, this wine presents a deep and concentrated profile, primarily dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. It is sealed with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 14.4%.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 96, praising its "impressive balance and poise" and advising to let it open up in the glass. The reviewer noted that the wine's nose "plays to sweetness with lovely florals, cassis, blue fruit, and warm spice" before transitioning to "savoriness with crushed herbs, forest botanicals, anise, and graphite." The review highlighted the wine's evolving layers, from "focused berry and dark cherry fruit to resiny herbs to a vein of earth and minerality against a backbone of supple structure."
James Suckling, also giving it a score of 96, described the wine as having "currants and fresh herbs such as thyme and sage," along with "blackcurrants, lead pencil, and metal shavings." He remarked on its medium body and "fine velvety tannins" with a "flavorful finish" and hints of walnuts, concluding that it is "very refined" and suitable for drinking now or holding for later.
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine at 95+, commending its "dense, regal, structured, and full-bodied style" and "powerful black fruits" with notes of "crushed stone, lead pencil, and iron." He emphasized that this wine is not for immediate consumption but recommended giving it 3-4 years to develop, predicting it will age well for over 15 years.
Vinous gave the highest score of 97, calling the 2019 El Desafio de Jonata "one of the most complete wines" from Jonata. Antonio Galloni lauded its "exceptionally harmonious" nature, noting that it marks a significant improvement from previous vintages. He described it as a blend of "inky dark red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, and spice," with "unctuous fruit and freshness" and "polished tannins."
Overall, the 2019 Jonata El Desafio de Jonata is a highly praised wine, with professional reviewers highlighting its layered complexity, refined tannins, and potential for aging.