Assorted Jonata, Carne Humana, Bootleg, Round Hill & Avalon California Red Blend Tasting Lot

“A wine that always over-delivers, the 2007 Todos is still gorgeous today. Ripe currants, blackberries, toasted spice, meaty nuances and hints of chocolate all emerge from this opulent, sexy, gorgeously balanced 2007. It's drinking right in the middle of its maturity window, and while I don't see it getting better, it has another 4-5 years of prime drinking. The 2007 is a blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Viognier and the balance Sangiovese and Grenache.” (07/2018)

“Formerly known as El Corazon de Jonata, the 2007 Todos is a proprietary blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Sangiovese. Fragrant aromatics (spring flowers, red and blue fruits) are followed by a wine with excellent ripeness, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, and loads of complexity.” (08/2009)

“Made from mostly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a compelling wine to drink now. It exudes concentrated flavors of raspberry and cherry that taste like they have been baked in pie crust and sprinkled with baking spice. Notes of bacon, licorice and sandalwood add further complexity. The structure is superb, with citrusy acids and supple tannins. All profits from the sale of this wine go to Jonata's vineyard crew.” (04/2013)

“(a blend based on 45% syrah and 35% cabernet sauvignon) Deep ruby. Red and dark berries on the nose, with notes of potpourri, violet and herbs adding complexity. Juicy red- and blackcurrant flavors are given spine by gentle acidity and pick up notes of sweet chewing tobacco and floral pastilles with air. Supple tannins come up on the clinging finish, which repeats the floral and spice notes. I suspect that this will be approachable soon, but there's plenty of depth to allow it to age. (JR)” (11/2010)

“An intriguing offering from the Jackson family, the 2012 Proprietary Red this innovative blend of 36% Merlot, 20% Petite Sirah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Syrah and Zinfandel is outstanding. The wine comes from multiple vineyards in Northern California in Napa Valley and is a reasonably good-sized cuvée of 5,000 cases. The wine shows plenty of peppery, meaty, blackcurrant fruit, sweet cherries, loamy soil undertones, plenty of licorice and spice box. This is a very Mediterranean styled, deep, fleshy red wine... (RP)” (10/2015)

“A soft and fluid red with lots of ripe and dried fruit. Figs too. Full and simple.” (01/2016)

“This wine combines Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel from multiple appellations, including Atlas Peak, Coombsville and Mount Veeder. Funky in cinnamon stick and clove, it features a silky, medium-sized build and soft, generous tannin, with a dry, spicy finish. (VB)” (09/2016)

“This California appellated red blend, incorporating 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Sirah and 25% Petit Verdot offers a mouthful of flavor—blackberry, boysenberry and black plum, and blueberry, hint cacao and cut wood, clove and cinnamon stick along with some herbaceousness in the background. Chunky tannins coat the mouth and there's just enough acidity to add balance. *Best Buy* (SB)” (09/2023)