WHO: Jonata Winery WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE: California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley WHEN: 2004 SIZE: 1.5L RESERVE: $350 MINIMUM BID: $50 91 points - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2004 El Desafio de Jonata’s dark ruby/purple hue is followed
Combining the pleasantly mineral and grippy character of Carignane with rounder notes from five other grape varieties, this inexpensive offering from Bonny Doon is rather easy-going, despite the contrarian attitude implied in the name (which also refers to Contra Costa County, where most of the grapes come from). That contradictory
Silky red fruits, cranberry, wild strawberry, and redcurrant, are the highlights of this wine. Some basil and tarragon show on the mid-palate, along with sweeter cherries and strawberries. The curious aspect is on the nose, where the red fruits show clearly, but there is a curious underlying hint of darkness,
Another wine, a rosé this time, in Randall Grahm’s own idiosyncratic style. Lovely nose of strawberry, melon, and flowers with a hint of vanilla at the back. Very expressive on the palate, especially for a rosé, with sweet but not-read more-
Another wine, a rosé this time, in Randall Grahm’s own idiosyncratic style. Lovely nose of strawberry, melon, and flowers with a hint of vanilla at the back. Very expressive on the palate, especially for a rosé, with sweet but not-read more-
A typical offering from Randall Grahm, a winemaker who doesn’t like to do things by halves. Have to mention the also usual intriguing Bonny Doon packaging—in this case, a label reminiscent of a medieval tarot card. Strong notes of black-read more-
A surprising find (well, OK, to be honest, it was provided). Citrusy notes on the nose, with perhaps a bit more lemon that one might expect. Nice flavors of grapefruit and caramel on the palate, with good acid. The most-read more-
This is one of several releases in the Octavin Home Wine Bar system. The wine in a box, billed as eco-friendly, delivers the equivalent of four standard bottles of wine. This is a blend with minute quantities of other grapes-read more-