The Paring by Jonata Cabernet Blend 2021
(Santa Ynez Valley, California) - [JD 93]

About the Winery:

Made from the vineyard blocks that are either too young or don't fit into the vintage style of the highly acclaimed Jonata and The Hilt wines—The Paring is essentially a "chip off the old block." The grapes are sourced primarily from three Santa Barbara regions on the vanguard: Ballard Canyon, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley.

Armed with a degree in Soil Science from the University of Vermont and vintages at Staglin in Napa, California and Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, Matt has an intrinsic feel for wine, from dirt to glass. Curious and experimental by nature, Matt’s approach to winemaking is grounded in the vineyard first and foremost: attuned to the vines, the weather, the soil, Matt seems almost to be a part of the vineyard itself. 

Matt comes to wine with an untethered philosophy, a mindset embodied in The Paring. At the core of these wines one finds a wide-ranging exploration of style, vineyards and blending. When he's not working with The Paring, Matt can be found making the wines for its big sister wineries - Jonata and The Hilt.

About this Wine:

Made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot respectively, this red blend is a cohesive representation of the sandy soils and cooler climates found in the vineyard sites The Paring works with throughout California. The wine is aged for 22 months in French oak, of which 55% is new. 

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Darker berries, cassis, graphite, and violet notes as well as classy oak all emerge from the 2021 Red, a brilliant red based off 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% each of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It way over-delivers and tastes like it costs four to five times the price." - JD (Aug 2024)