Vinous 97 – the top Fenix ever:
The 2021 Fenix is a rich, heady wine. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves, menthol and mocha all meld together in a potent, seamless Merlot-based red that delivers the goods. The flavors are really popping today. Bright acids and substantial depth suggest cellaring is essential, and yet the 2021 is so compelling today. What a wine.
Decanter 97 – best Jonata wine ever (above even their top $200 Cabernet blends):
Fenix from JONATA Vineyard pays homage to the Right Bank of Bordeaux through its varietal breakdown of 77% Merlot, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Fenix fruit is sourced from Ballard Canyon, the smallest of Santa Ynez Valley's sub-AVAs, primarily known for its Rhône varieties and the occasional Bordeaux planting. While rarely found in this Santa Barbara region, Merlot from this area can be wonderfully unique and expressive. Plush black currant, cocoa, and leather layers add weight to an otherwise reticent structure. Taut tannins, lean acidity, and refreshing wild herbals complement the luscious fruit character, delivering balance and poise. The body wine seems to sing, striking virtuosity through an impressive interplay of texture and structure enveloped in plush fruit. This wine will continue to evolve, showing promise and refinement in its understated elements.
