Sings in the glass immediately. Much like its sister, El Alma, it has delicate earth and herbal notes. Cacao, black plum, espresso, dust and black licorice. It is a completely different beast on the palate. It is juicy and packed with mouth watering fruit.
Cabernet sauvignon thrived in 2011 and it shows immediately on the mid palate and long lingering finish. At 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is apparent that the "king of grapes" didn't need any help from its Bordeaux brethren to fill any holes in tis vintage. This Cabernet Sauvignon fires on all cylinders. It has monstrous intensity of fruit and palate filling chalky tannin. A sparkling and pristine presentation of Desafio.
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Critical Acclaim:
RP95 The Wine Advocate - "Offering up beautiful Cabernet character, the 2011 El Desafio de Jonata is gorgeous and very Bordeaux like given its density and tannin profile. Blackberry, currants, spice and floral nuances all emerge from the glass and this elegant, layered 2011 has full-bodied richness and depth. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it through 2026. Drink 2016-2026."
V95 Vinous / Antonio Galloni - "A deep, implosive wine, the 2011 El Desafio de Jonata boasts tons of pure richness. Layers of blue and purple-toned fruit meld into dark spices and menthol in an exuberant, jammy wine bursting at the seams with personality. Savory overtones develop in the glass, adding further layers of complexity. The 2011 is bold, pungent and explosive, with more than enough underlying structure to drink well for a number of years."