Jonata : Todos 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for Jonata’s Todos 2018

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep, intense purple hue that coats the sides of the glass, reflecting its remarkable concentration.

Nose

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

Palate

On the palate, the wine delivers generous dark fruit, supported by vibrant acidity that brings energy and balance. The tannins are silky and enveloping, with a fine, powdery texture that lends elegance and refinement. The overall impression is of a harmonious structure in which the 14.5% alcohol remains perfectly integrated. The finish lingers with beautiful aromatic definition.

Food and wine pairings

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

Serving and cellaring

Todos 2018 is ideally enjoyed now, while also offering aging potential that will allow it to evolve gracefully over several years. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

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

The estate

Founded in 2000, the Jonata estate spans 586 acres in the Ballard Canyon region of California. The property belongs to Stan Kroenke, a billionaire entrepreneur who also owns prestigious estates such as Screaming Eagle in the Napa Valley. Under the leadership of winemaker Matt Dees, a soil science graduate, Jonata farms 84 acres of vines according to Polyface farming principles, integrating livestock and sustainable viticulture. This holistic approach forms the soul of the estate, alongside the terroir and the people—together the three pillars of its philosophy.

The vineyard

The Todos 2018 vineyard is located in the Ballard Canyon appellation within the Santa Ynez Valley. The vines benefit from a unique terroir of sandy soils of the Careaga Sandstone type, known for low fertility and excellent drainage. These rectangular sand particles give the wines an especially fine tannic structure. The microclimate is marked by significant temperature swings that can reach forty degrees Fahrenheit between day and night, encouraging slow, even ripening while preserving the grapes’ natural freshness.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage is considered exceptional in California. From mid-August onward, temperatures cooled and stabilized around 27°C, with consistent sunshine through the end of harvest. These ideal conditions enabled perfect phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar accumulation. Harvest began on September 15 with sangiovese and merlot, then continued through late October under clear skies. A light rain in early October simply washed the clusters without disrupting the picking. This rare vintage combines generous yields with outstanding quality.

Winemaking and aging

Todos 2018 was vinified on a parcel-by-parcel basis using native yeasts. Cold soaking is limited to twenty-four hours, followed by a total maceration period not exceeding twenty-eight days in order to preserve delicate aromas and natural acidity. Pressing is carried out using a traditional Burgundy press to avoid extracting astringent tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in 228- and 350-liter 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 grape varieties (6%).