Explosive brambles. Ripe red raspberry and essence of blackberry, Shiro plum, and cedar. Approachable today with a massive wall of fruit. Structured and upright. Blackcurrant and a hint of baking spice. Dark chocolate/cocoa tannins. Expansive on the palate, much like the Alma, but with more breadth from the merlot. Generous and supple. Salty and espresso-like. Very sincere expression of merlot from the Jonata property with its balance between expansive black fruit and dusty, lingering, gentle tannins. Rich and suave, with an earthy bay leaf edge. Reminiscent of 2012 and 2013 in its magnitude and expression of fruit.
Matt Dees, Winemaker
2022 Fenix Bordeaux-Style Red Blend "Phoenix"
Varietal:
70% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard:
JONATA Estate
Ageing:
20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% twice used French oak, 225L
Alcohol:
14.1%
Case Production:
888
96 Points
The 2022 Fenix, Jonata's Merlot-based blend, is exceptional. Inky, dark and explosive, the 2022 packs a serious punch. Readers will find a wine of impressive vertical intensity and pure power. The 2022 is very young, and yet it very clearly has a bright future ahead.
Antonio Galloni Vinous, July 2024
96 Points
The 2022 Fenix is based on 70% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the final 3% Cabernet Franc. It has classic Merlot darker cherry and currant fruits as well as some chocolate, herb, and leafy tobacco-like nuances that pick up a floral edge with time in the glass. It's beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered, lush mouthfeel, and ripe tannins. This upfront, sexy, seamless Merlot will shine for 10-15 years if well stored.
Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com, August 2024
93 Points
A blend of 70% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Fenix presents an extremely dark hue in the glass, introducing a pure and clean bouquet of red plums, cocoa powder and dried herbs. The mouthfeel is rich yet remarkably elegant, concluding with a bright, stiff finish framed by powdery tannins and a lush, chocolate-driven core.
Matthew Luczy The Wine Advocate, November 2025
