Wild and exuberant black fruit leads the way. Blackberry, mocha, scorched earth and clove. Silky and mouth-filling. Nothing lacking from this blend as the merlot brings an abundance of broad and sumptuous dark fruit. The Cabernet sauvignon in the blend brings structural integrity and a level of regal power. The small addition of cabernet franc packs a mighty punch with its herbal nuance and complexity. Dusty and earthy with dried porcini, graphite and loamy qualities alongside black plum. Like all the 23 reds, this is remarkably intense, concentrated and young. This Fenix will certainly reward patience (or a few hours in the decanter). Superb vintage from the remaining merlot blocks at JONATA.
- Matt Dees, Winemaker
2023 Fenix Bordeaux-Style Red Blend "Phoenix"
Varietal:
78% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard:
JONATA Estate, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley
Ageing:
20 months in 45% new French oak, 55% twice used French oak
Alcohol:
14.5%
Case Production:
1,411
96+ Points
A blend of 78% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Fenix is dark, generous and velvety. It leans heavily into its savory, bass-toned profile. Brooding and concentrated, the Fenix delivers inky, spiced dark fruit and cocoa-powder-like tannins, wrapping the finish in a rich, chocolatey embrace. The 2023 is a hefty, unapologetically bold wine that will surely improve with time in the cellar.
Billy Norris, Vinous, August 2025
96 Points
Based on 78% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc and brought up 20 months in 45% new French oak, the 2023 Fenix boasts a darker saturated purple hue and has smoking good aromatics of ripe black cherries, chocolaty herbs, loamy earth, spice, and hints of violets. It's medium to full-bodied, plush, and sexy on the palate, with velvety tannins, ample mid-palate depth, and a great finish. Drink this heavenly Merlot over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2025-2040.
Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com, September 2025
99 Points
This is an incredibly dramatic wine, with pristine ripeness and beautifully delineated fruit—perfect plums, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. On the palate, these flavors unfold with gorgeous, plump, and supple tannins that carry a cocoa powder freshness and a streak of blood orange acidity. Crushed black sage adds lift and complexity. There’s a refreshing, focused quality throughout, like a beam of acid tension that frames and defines the entire wine.
Jonathan Cristaldi, Cristaldi & Co., May 2025
