2008 JONATA Fuerza petit verdot Magnum

Fuerza "Strength"

Where this wine is concerned, there will be no sneaking up on anyone. As with its predecessors it proclaims in a loud voice that it has arrived, with a knockout nose of Jonata black raspberry jam, hazelnut, Asian spices, chicory coffee and Nutella. It carries a larger-than-life, dark and brooding nose that portends to the density waiting in the glass. Teeth staining black fruit with a hint of pepper on the palate, this petit verdot is almost chewy in its massive fruit weight. Hints of Santa Rosa plum and a walnut-like texture arrive on the finish. As with past vintages, the tannins in this 2008 initially growl like a tiger, but release their grip early allowing the purity of black fruit to shine through astonishing length.

- Matt Dees, Winemaker

Blend: 94% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot

Alcohol: 15.1%

Appellation: Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Regime: 65% New French oak, 35% neutral French oak

91 Points The Wine Advocate