Our recent podcast toasted a new film called “Cha Cha Real Smooth” starring Dakota Johnson, a film both Gary and I loved. It is a little surprise of a film filled with heart, humor, and thoughtfulness, reminding us of one of our favorites from last year’s favorite, “Licorice Pizza” or something Richard Linklater would create. For this little feel-good surprise, a wine that conjured up the same feel-good sentiment, a beauty from Santa Ynez Valley, Flor Sauvignon Blanc ($70) from Jonata.

Jonata is quickly becoming one of the leading producers in Central California’s Ballard Canyon appellation, within Santa Ynez Valley, an area not far from the Pacific Ocean, but inland enough to experience very hot summer days that turn into cool nights, ensuring grapes have the ability to develop full ripeness over a long growing season while locking in an essential freshness that gives a lift to the wine and ensures age-ability. The winery focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, along with a few white varieties including Sauvignon Blanc.

Jonata Flor ($7)) meaning flower is a tiny production creation blending 85 % Sauvignon Blanc with 15% Semillion grow in sandy clay and loam soils within Ballard Canyon, similar to the Rhone Valley, with good drainage, creating fruit with concentration and structure. The wine is aged for 11 months in a combination of new and neutral oak, as well as stainless steel, with continual stirring of the lees (yeasts) creating a creamy, textured, complex wine with personality. There is a refined grace that melds with a youthful vibrance. Aromas of honeysuckle, lemongrass, candied ginger, white rose, and lemon blossom mingle harmoniously. There is a nice weight and creaminess on the palate, but giving richness without weighing it down, layering flavors of lemon curd, honeycomb, honeysuckle, and subtle herb with a hint of salinity. Only 212 cases were produced in 2020 of this beauty, available via their website.

Listen to more of our discussion of the wine, and the film, through the link –
Cogill Wine & Film, A Perfect Pairing Podcast
#Cheers