Jonata Jonata El Desafio de Jonata 2012 750ml

Probably the longest-lived wine in the vintage from Santa Barbara, Jonata’s 630-case 2012 El Desafio de Jonata checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot that saw 80% new French oak. It reveals a masculine, meaty, structured personality as well as rockin’ notes of blackcurrants, wood smoke, lead pencil shavings and crushed rock. Full-bodied, balanced and with building tannic grip, it still shows the suppleness of the vintage, but needs 2–3 years to even start to be drinkable. It will have 2–3 decades of longevity. (Jeb Dunnuck)

The Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2012 El Desafio de Jonata graces the palate with its sensual personality. Raspberry jam, pomegranate, leather, smoke, spice and tobacco all blossom in the glass. Big, rich and inviting, the 2012 boasts superb intensity and resonance, although it doesn’t quite have the visceral thrill of the very best wines in this range. Shades of rose petal and mint add the closing shades of nuance. The 2012 was aged in French oak, 80% new. (Antonio Galloni)