The magic of the 2018 harvest really began to appear in mid-August when the temperatures cooled again and basically remained sunny, mild, and in the eighties for the remainder of the harvest season. The ripening from veraison to harvest occurred under absolutely picture-perfect conditions. This long and slow harvest allowed for beautiful phenological ripening without the abrupt rise in sugar and corresponding dramatic drop in acidity that can result from typical heat spikes.

The harvest at Jonata was tremendous and began on September 15, 2018, with Sangiovese and Merlot being the only grapes brought in that month. The rainfall at the estate from the early October event was minimal. It basically acted to remove the dust from the clusters. The Jonata harvest was roughly 2 weeks later than in 2017 with slow and even ripening throughout. The large majority of red fruit was picked from October 10 through October 26 under clear blue skies.

2018 is one of those rare vintages (unicorn vintages, if you will…) when yields are healthy, and quality is exceptional, defined by subtlety and elegance. They are a pleasure to taste. They appear to be similar to the 2017 reds with that same complexity and charm. These are very exciting wines.

Singular and dramatic nose of cocoa powder, scorched earth, fresh mint and raspberry preserves. Black plum and cassis on the attack. Pencil shavings, dusty gravel, kalamata olive and lavender. Complex and wonderful convergence of earth, herb and darkness. Ample generosity, but ultimately remains light and fresh, vibrant and lively. Perfumed, chalky and profound. Pushes from generous fruit on the attack to a long and memorable finish. Lovely race to see whether fruit, tannic structure or bright acidity will win. All seem to push for minutes. An ethereal and driven Alma. A seemingly unique combination: aromatic and tense 2008 meets the black fruit-driven 2009 powerhouse.