The 2017 vintage for Jonata El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon followed a wet winter that broke a drought, refreshing soils and water quality. While budbreak and early spring were peaceful and warm, cool conditions during flowering prolonged the process, leading to very small clusters and minuscule yields, with roughly 50% of normal yields observed. Despite the challenges, the 2017s from Jonata are described as terrific across the board, showing classic, balanced characters. Jonata is located on a stunning 600-acre property with 80 acres of estate vineyard on golden rolling hills in Ballard Canyon, characterized by high concentrations of Careaga sand, which is challenging for cultivation but key to the wine's qualities. 【The Jonata estate's unique terroir, with its deep Careaga sands, pushes vines to drive deep for nutrients, contributing to singular wines.】 Tasting notes for the 2017 El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon reveal an inky color and a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, bay leaf, and crushed rocks. It offers absolute essence of cassis and mint, scorched earth, grilled bread, porcini, and bay leaf, with blueberry and ripe tobacco notes. On the palate, it explodes with tremendous quantities of black, dense fruit, layer after layer, staying focused and poised with good tension and an acid backbone. It features gently coating silky tannins, perfect balance and pedigree, and a heightened level of elegance and clarity, showcasing the huge potential of Cabernet Sauvignon from 17-year-old vines on sandy soils. Vinous describes tremendous vertical thrust, oozing with class and intensity, with notes of new leather, licorice, sweet spice, and menthol. This magical Cabernet Sauvignon is going to benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age yet keep for 20-30 years. 🍴 Food Pairing: This bold and structured Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect match for rich red meats such as beef and venison. Consider pairing it with a grilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, or a hearty lamb stew. For a more adventurous pairing, it could stand up to robust, flavorful hard cheeses or even a dark chocolate dessert. 🥂 Event Suggestions: Ideal for a sophisticated dinner party, a celebratory occasion, or a special evening with fellow wine enthusiasts. Its aging potential also makes it a fantastic addition to a serious wine collector's cellar.