2016 Jonata ‘El Desafio de Jonata’ Cabernet Sauvignon

JD96+ Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, the 2016 El Desafio de Jonata is one of the more firm, focused wines in the lineup. Classic Cabernet blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed rock-like notes all flow to a concentrated, powerful, tannic wine that has considerable baby fat as well as length. It’s not going to hit prime time until after a decade of bottle age, but it’s a beautiful, remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Barbara County that will keep for two decades.