2018 is a rare vintage with high yields and quality.
White wines have velvety texture, tension and energy.
The red wines are delicate and elegant, similar in style to the complex and charming 2017.
Savory, earthy and floral aromas.
Aromas of violets, balsamic, nutmeg, espresso beans, black pepper, black cherries and ripe blackberries.
A very elegant and attractive wine.
The tannins are well-integrated and can be enjoyed young.
It has a very pleasant balance, with black fruits, energy from the acidity, and soft, lustrous tannins.
Syrah is present in the aroma, while Cabernet Sauvignon lingers on the palette.
It is complex and well-structured, with an enjoyable ensemble of 10 different grape varieties.
The 2018 vintage was very good, but the most notable feature was the mild summer.
From mid-August until harvest, there was uninterrupted sunlight and temperatures remained around 26°C.
From veraison to harvest, the grapes ripened long and slowly in absolutely perfect conditions.
This vintage did not experience any sudden increases in sugar content or decreases in acidity, as can occur in years with many heat waves.
Harvesting in Honata began on September 15th, with only Sangiovese and Merlot harvested that month.
There was a light rain in October, but it was just enough to wash the dust off the grape skins.
The harvest was two weeks later than in 2017, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly over time.
Most of the vineyard work was done under sunny skies between October 10th and 26th.
In 2000, the owner of Screaming Eagle, one of the most representative California cult wines, became interested in Santa Barbara.
We planted Bordeaux varieties on land that we were told would be better suited for growing asparagus.
This gamble, which he himself described as "a big gamble," led to the creation of a super-premium wine that represents California, thanks to the efforts of Michel Rolland and Matt Dease, who was the winemaker at Staglin.
Robert Parker said: "It's mind-blowing how they've succeeded with Bordeaux varieties in that area.
" He commented,
Honata is 600 acres of gorgeous, golden hills.
Of these, 80 acres were carefully selected for their unique microclimates and soils.
The land is divided into over 50 blocks and sub-blocks, each with a different combination of rootstocks, clones and planting densities.
The result is the diverse flavors that Winemaker Matt wants for Honata.
After graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in plant and soil science, Matt moved to Napa Valley to work with Andy Erickson at Staglin Family Vineyards and learn about Bordeaux varietals.
During his three years with Staglin he also worked three vintages making wine under Doug Weiser at Craggy Range in New Zealand, adding Syrah and Pinot Noir to his resume.
Matt has learned the importance of expressing vineyard flavors through his work making Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinot Noir in both hemispheres.
Dees firmly believes that the world's greatest wines begin in the vineyard.
He joined Honata in 2004 with his extensive and well-rounded background and passion for the vineyard's high quality grapes.
The winery is owned by Stan Kroenke, the owner of the well-known California cult wine Screaming Eagle.
He owns the Denver Nuggets of the NBA and the St. Louis Rams of the NFL, and is also the largest shareholder of Arsenal in the Premier League.