2012 Jonata, Tierra, Santa Ynez Valley

If you've always wanted to try Screaming Eagle and relish Tuscan reds, then you'll love Jonata's La Tierra from Napa Valley.
    Screaming Eagle and Jonata (pronounced ho-not-tah) share the same owners and wine making techniques: the current winemaker of Jonata apprenticed at Screaming Eagle. While Screaming Eagle costs about $1,800 per bottle, Jonata offers unbelievable value from Screaming Eagle's team.
    Brunello-esque is style, this is one of our best selling wines that keeps getting better with every vintage. Imagine the rich terroir of California fused with the very best Sangiovese vines transplanted from Tuscany. That is the essence of La Tierra de Jonata. This rare varietal transplant literally "blows away virtually every other Sangiovese made in California." (Robert Parker) This is "one of the best non-Tuscan examples of this variety I know." (Stephen Tanzer) Capturing the wonderful character of a Brunello di Montalcino, only the finest Sangiovese clippings are selected for this one-of-a-kind red.
    La Tierra de Jonata is also reminiscent of your favorite Super Tuscan given its 97% Sangiovese and 3% Syrah composition. Like Tignanello, Sassicaia and Ornellaia, the wine boasts "unsmoked cigar tobacco, cedar, sweet, meaty porcini mushrooms, cassis, cherries, and graphite [with] spectacular aromatics and rich, full-bodied flavors." (Robert Parker)
    Enjoy now and over the next 5 years. I typically enjoy this wine with homemade chicken parmigiana and angel hair tossed in garlic and olive oil. It is fantastic!