Community Tasting Notes 5

• Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine: 94 points

  November 7, 2023 - Rising Above
  
  While choosing today’s wine, it took a moment for me to harken back to the reason I bought this wine in the first place. I’m sure the 96 Point reviews had a hand in the matter, but I kept thinking there was something else I had forgotten about the wine or the winery. Then I remembered that Jonata is the sister winery of Screaming Eagle. It’s starting to make sense now. How about the wine, the:
  
  Jonata Fenix 2018
  
  From its estate in the Central Coast of California’s Ballard Canyon appellation within Santa Ynez Valley, Jonata brings together this “Bordeaux Blend” of 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc under the skillful hands of winemaker Matt Dees.
  
  Jonata is a name that translates to “tall oak,” the wine name “Fenix” is a form of, and pronounced the same as, "Phoenix." That mythological bird.
  
  I’m not sure what prompted the name, considering that the Phoenix arose from the ashes to be reborn, but I can assure you that the wine arose from the vineyards to produce this excellent wine.
  
  From the first sip, blackberry notes dance with an almost mouth-coating feel to it, bringing with it soft easy tannins and a hint of herbalness, culminating in a pleasant and long finish that includes some slight spice notes.
  
  The great thing about Jonata is that they produce a portfolio of wines across a wide spectrum. They also produce the Paring line of wines for those wishing to purchase all occasion wines. Don’t forget their flagship winery “Screaming Eagle.” Whatever you choose, I think you’ll be pleased.
  
  Cheers

  2 people found this helpful Comment

• Zach con Queso Likes this wine: 95 points

  September 27, 2023 - nose is herbal and inviting. full bodied with rounded tannins. mineralized iodine and saline. elegant and really enjoyable.

  2 people found this helpful Comment

• YankeeRobio Likes this wine: 94 points

  September 8, 2023 - Needs a 3 hour decant. Black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, leather

  2 people found this helpful Comment

• F_&_M Does not like this wine:

  August 18, 2023 - Unlikable and over extracted. "Slutty" one friend called it.

  1 person found this helpful Comment

• Ben Christiansen wrote:

  May 31, 2023 - Also smells wonderful to me - graphite and mixed black and red fruits. Much brighter on the palate than expected. Wow is one tasters reaction. Lots of structure on the palate. Youthful with great density while being light on its feet. Super complex on the nose. So darn youthful right now. Needs time to stretch its legs out.

  1 person found this helpful Comment

Pro Reviews 3

Wine Definition

• Vintage 2018
• Type Red
• Producer Jonata Winery
• Varietal Red Bordeaux Blend
• Designation Fenix
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Central Coast
• Appellation Ballard Canyon

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 9 (1%)
• In Cellars 574 (84%)
• Consumed 102 (15%)

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