Dried strawberry, fig, clove, and cassis. Dramatic and sensual nose. Poignant and beautifully chiseled cabernet. So, inviting. Intensely fruit-laden and ultra-concentrated. Layered and multi-dimensional structure. Broad and tall. Statuesque finish with a high quantity of ultra-fine, quality tannins. Classic Desafio notes of mint, dark chocolate, and lavender. Core of Luxardo cherry. Herbal and cooling. A loud and proud voice, but also still relatively calm and elegant, with stunning balance between fruit, freshness, and tannin. This will be a wine that brings pleasure for decades to come, but I love it today for its exuberance and indefatigable charm.
Matt Dees, Winemaker
2022 El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon "The Defiance"
Varietal:
97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
Vineyard:
JONATA Estate
Ageing:
20 months in 75% new French oak, 25% twice used French oak, 225L
Alcohol:
14.7%
Case Production:
696
97 Points
The 2022 El Desafio de Jonata is composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, which matured in 75% new 225-liter barrique for 20 months. It leads with a distinctly candied and floral bouquet, lifted from the glass with red fruits and dried flowers with savory tobacco accents. The palate is ripe and svelte, moving into a bright, luscious finish that lingers with drying tannins in need of congealing. This is an excellent showing considering the vintage, and I suspect it will harmonize after a bit more time in the cellar to soften its tannin structure.
Antonio Galloni Vinous, July 2024
96 Points
The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release from this team, the 2022 El Desafio De Jonata is based on 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot brought up all in French oak. Its deep ruby hue is followed by a perfumed nose of red, blue, and black fruits as well as spring flowers, spicy oak, and leafy herbs. A more medium to full-bodied, seamless, elegant expression of the cuvée, it has terrific balance, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist yet should have 15+ years of overall longevity.
Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com, August 2024
94+ Points
The 2022 El Desafio de Jonata is composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, which matured in 75% new 225-liter barrique for 20 months. It leads with a distinctly candied and floral bouquet, lifted from the glass with red fruits and dried flowers with savory tobacco accents. The palate is ripe and svelte, moving into a bright, luscious finish that lingers with drying tannins in need of congealing. This is an excellent showing considering the vintage, and I suspect it will harmonize after a bit more time in the cellar to soften its tannin structure
Matthew Luczy The Wine Advocate, November 2025
