Cacao, new leather, mint, thyme and luxardo cherry. Sweet tobacco and cedar. Lovely balance between black fruit and green herbal notes. A brooding, but very fresh version of Alma. Silky and suave attack. Wet gravel, blackberry and dark chocolate. Heady inner perfume of cassis and mint. Dark fruit swirls with vibrant acidity then a wall of dusty and ultra-fine tannins. Mouthcoating structure that remains gentle and inviting. The finish combines classic Alma notes of lavender, pencil shavings and ground espresso. This is still a tightly wound, young Alma. While it is in the same general shape as the classic 2021 and 2018, this takes me back to more a combination of 2008 and 2009. Refined but undeniably powerful and built for the long haul.
- Matt Dees, Winemaker
2023 El Alma de JONATA Cabernet Franc "The Soul"
Varietal:
96% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot
Vineyard:
JONATA Estate, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley
Ageing:
18 months in 55% new French oak, 45% used French oak
Alcohol:
14.5%
Case Production:
297
95 Points
The 2023 El Alma de Jonata delivers all the lifted, fresh Franc character you could want, in all the right ways. Cedar, lavender, sweet pipe tobacco and rich blackberry mingle with plush, Merlot-driven spice tones, while chalky acids and chocolatey tannins frame the finish. The Alma is harmonious and intentional, with all the elements in sync.
Billy Norris, Vinous, August 2025
98 Points
A blend of 96% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot aged 18 months in 55% new oak, the 2023 El Alma De Jonata is deep purple-hued with darker currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with peppery herbs, tobacco, graphite, and spicy wood. It's flawlessly balanced, medium to full-bodied, has seamless tannins, and just everything in the right places. I'd happily put this up against the top examples of the variety from anywhere. It's approachable today yet will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and will see its 20th birthday in good form. Drink 2025-2045.
Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com, September 2025
97 Points
This wine is intensely expressive, with notes of new leather, white pepper, black cherry, and espresso bean. On the palate, crushed cocoa nib tannins frame a full-bodied richness, while espresso bean oil lingers through the long, layered finish. Nuances of black sage and black sea salt add complexity and depth to a finish that goes on and on.
Jonathan Cristaldi, Cristaldi & Co., May 2025
