Vinous and enticing nose of blackberry, sage, rosemary, and black plum. Earthy and spice driven. Cinnamon hints alongside savory notes of dried porcini and pancetta. Supple and rounded wine with great hydration and length. Runs the gamut of fruit from red to black to blue. Stays fresh and red with rooibos tea notes. Today, this is a wine highlighting the leather and perfume side of sangiovese with a soft dusting of ultra-fine tannins and buoyant acidity. In the upcoming years, this will be a wonderful view into the ongoing and constantly changing relationship between earth and fruit that defines the great sangiovese grape.
Matt Dees, Winemaker
2022 Tierra Sangiovese "Earth/Soil"
Varietal:
100% Sangiovese
Vineyard:
JONATA Estate
Ageing:
18 months in neutral French oak (228L)
Alcohol:
14.5%
Case Production:
78
92 Points
The 2022 Tierra (Sangiovese) is bold, fruity and super-expressive right out of the gate. I don't find this especially varietal, but it is a terrific wine. Bright acids and earthy undertones on the finish provide a hint that this is Sangiovese, but over time, this has really become a wine from Jonata more than anything else.
Antonio Galloni Vinous, July 2024
94 Points
The ruby/plum-hued 2022 Tierra is all varietal brought up in French oak. Spiced black cherries, leather, savory herbs, and baking spice notes all define the aromatics, and it's beautifully balanced on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, supple, elegant mouthfeel, and terrific tannins. It's a gorgeous expression of Sangiovese from California that readers will love. In fact, I don't think there's a better expression of the variety anywhere from California.
Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com, August 2024
93 Points
I preferred the 2022 La Tierra de Jonata to the 2023 vintage, finding the additional stuffing and concentration to flesh out its naturally sturdy frame. A lush, dark-fruited nose of black cherry, fennel, sage and dried flowers is followed by a similarly plush yet sturdy palate lined with vibrant, lifted acidity. The finish regenerates the floral qualities of the nose, lingering with dusty, refined tannins and a slightly candied core.
Matthew Luczy The Wine Advocate, November 2025
