March 27, 2022 - First taste indicated ready to go. I gave it 20 minutes of air and then put it back into the bottle. An hour later, when the strip steaks were ready, I popped it back open. Just the short time in the bottle preserved it enough so that in glass it opened up to a nice complex nose - cassis, tobacco, graphite. Flavor was super ripe - fig, prune but not over the top (my brother thought so though), but nicely balanced with soft tannins, a lil bit of acid, and some minerality. A good steak wine for sure. Probably on the decline considering what I've read but very enjoyable now. Will aim to open my other bottle within the year.
April 29, 2021 - Fruit juice with some sweetness
April 17, 2021 - Really good. Can’t wait to try future vintages.
May 19, 2020 - This powerful and integrated Cabernet is drinking beautifully right now, especially after an hour of air. Ruby red in color with some rim variation (and a little cloudiness) and full in body, the wine offers incredible aromas of dried cherry, trail dust, fresh leather, and graphite. The flavors are generous and nuanced, with notes of blueberry tart, rhubarb, eucalyptus, and bay leaf, followed by a dusty and lingering finish. Blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. 14.9% alcohol.
I've struggled with Jonata wines in their youth, where the power (ripe fruit and dry tannin) seems to be overwhelming (and the integration lacking). This wine shows that Jonatas can turn a corner. I'm not sure every Jonata will taste this good after 15 years, but this is remarkable right now. It went toe-to-toe with a 2009 Cardinale tasted on the same night, with the Jonata offering more power and the Cardinale more polish (but both oh so good). This is the best Jonata I've ever tasted, period. Drink in next 3-7 years.
April 5, 2019 - Bam! I’ve had this lone bottle of Jonata resting in my cellar for the past six years. We had some friends over who had just returned from Santa Ynez and couldn’t make the time to visit Jonata; they weren’t sure what the fuss was all about. Well, now they do. This was absolutely killer right from the pop and pour. So much power yet there was an undeniable charm that just had us all smitten. And, at 14 years young, this was still so alive and downright youthful. There are decades of enjoyment left in these 2005 Desafio’s. Simply outstanding.
July 25, 2017 - Hot and rustic Cabernet blend that drinks more like a cocktail. Better on second day.
April 27, 2017 - Delicious!
November 12, 2016 - Decanted 1 hour. Lots of ripe, dark fruit on the nose with a little kirsch liqueur. Powerful attack of dark fruit on entry. Quite extracted in style but shows nice structure and is not too heavy. Long finish with manageable tannins. Really good wine that should continue to drink well for another 10+ years
July 13, 2016 - No notes as we had this wine later in the evening but it was killer. All of our guests took one sip, looked at each other and raised their eyebrows! Wish I had more than one bottle left.
June 4, 2016 - Simply amazing. Unexpectedly great.