Screaming Eagle Owner's $28 Stunners "Taste Like 4-5x the Price. Ridiculous Value."

Originally sent to our list on July 3, 2026. Pricing and availability reflect that date — for current pricing and stock, see artisan.wine.

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★ Winner of Our Jonata & Hilt Tasting · Best-Selling Discovery ★

The Paring by Jonata · Matt Dees · Stan Kroenke Family Estate

The Paring by Jonata — Winner of Our Jonata & Hilt Tasting
THE PARING BY JONATA · SANTA BARBARA COUNTY · MATT DEES

Best-Selling Winner of Our Jonata & Hilt Tasting

Greatest Sub-$30 American
Pinot, Cab, Syrah, Chard, Rose
We've Tasted All Year.

Jeb Dunnuck's verdict on the Cabernet Blend: "It way over-delivers and tastes like it costs four to five times the price." Galloni on the Red: "Another ridiculous value."

The Discovery on the Table

Matt Dees, at $28.97. The five wines that blew our tasting room away last Friday — all under $30, all made by the same man who crafts the 99-point Radian Pinot and the 97-point El Desafio Cabernet.

Same farmer. Same cellar. Same winemaker. The honest answer to "what do you actually drink during the week?"

The Quiet Empire

One Owner. The Most Famous Cult Wine in America.
And Your Weeknight Table.

Stan Kroenke — owner of Screaming Eagle, the most famous cult Napa Cabernet on Earth, and a majority stake in Burgundy's Domaine Bonneau du Martray (the only estate on the hill of Corton-Charlemagne that makes nothing but Grand Cru) — also owns three sister estates in Santa Barbara: Jonata in Ballard Canyon, The Hilt in the Sta. Rita Hills, and The Paring as the accessible second label.

All three under one winemaker — the man Andy Erickson (Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, BOND, Favia) hand-picked to build them — since day one.

The Winemaker

Matt Dees.
Andy Erickson's Chosen One.

Twenty-two years. One man. The only winemaker Jonata, The Hilt, or The Paring has ever had. Widely considered one of the finest winemakers in America — and the reason every bottle in this email exists.

When Andy Erickson — the legend behind Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, BOND, and Favia — went looking for the one person to hand a billionaire's brand-new California estates, he chose a soil-science kid from Kansas City who'd cold-called his way into Napa. That instinct built two of California's most acclaimed cult labels. Matt has run them, alone, every vintage since 2004.

His signature: "sandpaper, not hammer and chisel" — coax the vineyard out, don't beat it in. You'll taste exactly what that means across all five Paring wines.

All Five Paring Wines · $28.97 Each

Matt Dees's Weeknight Table.

Vineyard blocks too young or too off-style for Jonata and The Hilt come here. Same farmer, same cellar, same winemaker — at a fraction of the flagship price.

The Paring by Jonata Chardonnay 2023 sideways bottle

1 · The White

The Paring Chardonnay 2023
Santa Barbara County.

JS 92 · JD 91 · VM 91

The Sta. Rita Hills cool-climate signature at a fraction of Bentrock's price. Bright citrus and stone fruit lifted by relentless Pacific wind and tiny yields. Roast chicken, cream sauces, hard cheeses — and any oyster within reach.

Full Ratings & Reviews

92 Points · James Suckling

"Yellow apple, hard pineapple and crisp acidity provide an energetic and textural context for stone fruit and sumac. A kiss of sweet spice is threaded throughout, as is a filigree of minerality. Drink now." (Sep 2025)

91 Points · Jeb Dunnuck

"Melon, stone fruits, brioche, and honeyed flower notes all shine in the 2023 Chardonnay, a medium-bodied, juicy, lively Chardonnay that has integrated acidity and a supple, hard-to-resist style. It's a terrific value. Drink bottles over the coming 3-5 years. Drink 2025-2030." (Sep 2025)

91 Points · Vinous Media · Billy Norris

"The 2023 Chardonnay is delicious. Bright and lifted, it's a wine of notable energy and cut, with excellent delineation of flavors. Ripe tropical fruit, spice and chalk meld together in this characterful Chardonnay." (Aug 2025)

$28.97

Order Chardonnay  →
The Paring by Jonata Pinot Noir 2024 sideways bottle

2 · The Pinot

The Paring Pinot Noir 2024
Santa Barbara County · New Release.

Brand-New Release · Sta. Rita Hills Fruit

The consummate overachiever — immediate drinking pleasure without sacrificing complexity or nuance. Bright red cherry, rhubarb, mixed berries, and Sta. Rita spice, all supple tannins and seductive fruit. The entry point to the same Pinot vineyards that produce the 99-point Radian. Salmon, duck, mushroom, charcuterie.

Full Ratings & Reviews

92 Points · James Suckling (prior vintage)

"Youthful fruit is still coming into its own, but it's already starting to flesh out with flavors of rhubarb compote, mixed berries and bergamot. A dusting of oak duff in the background provides a compelling counterpoint to rose hips, woodsy spice and minerals. Very long on the generous finish. Best after 2026." (Sep 2025)

$28.97

Order Pinot Noir  →
The Paring by Jonata Rose of Pinot Noir 2025 sideways bottle

3 · The Rosé

The Paring Rosé of Pinot Noir 2025
Sta. Rita Hills · New Summer Release.

Brand-New Summer Release · Stainless-Fermented

Pale coral. Fermented in stainless steel and aged four months before bottling, producing an exuberant, fruit-driven, fresh quaffer — wild strawberry, watermelon rind, and pink grapefruit lifted by Sta. Rita Hills' relentless ocean wind. The summer Rosé you buy by the case — grilled salmon, charcuterie, warm evenings.

Full Ratings & Reviews

Brand-new summer release — not yet reviewed by the critics. Matt Dees's Rosé is a perfect entry into the unique terroir of this very special estate, and the sister project to the 99-point Radian Pinot from the same vineyards.

$28.97

Order Rosé  →
The Paring by Jonata Syrah 2021 sideways bottle

4 · The Syrah

The Paring Syrah 2021
Santa Ynez Valley.

JD 93 · VM 91 · WA 90

Dark, peppered, savory — the grape that put Ballard Canyon on the map, made by the man who set that standard. Aged 22 months in 35% new, 65% neutral French oak. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier. Delicately dried violets, tart blackberries, and freshly cracked black pepper. Braised short ribs, peppered and grilled meats, aged cheeses.

Full Ratings & Reviews

93 Points · Jeb Dunnuck

"Exotic black and blue fruits, ground pepper, violets, and some bloody, iron-like notes all emerge from the 2021 Syrah, which is another smoking value in the lineup from the team at Jonata. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, pure, and remarkably well-balanced, it's going to be jaw-droppingly good for 7-8 years. The blend includes 8% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier." (Aug 2024)

91 Points · Vinous Media · Antonio Galloni

"The 2021 Syrah is laced with inky dark fruit, licorice, spice, lavender and mocha. Unctuous and layered, with explosive depth, the 2021 possesses mind-blowing intensity to match its dark, brooding personality. All of this fruit is from Jonata." (Aug 2024)

90 Points · Wine Advocate · Matthew Luczy

"Blended with 8% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, the 2021 Syrah leads with an authentically peppery, herbal nose with subtle meaty accents. Ripe and confident on the palate, it closes with an intensely savory, woody finish that offers incredible nuance and length for the price point. Along with the Pinot Noir, it is a highlight among a roster of hard-to-beat values." (Oct 2024)

$28.97

Order Syrah  →
The Paring by Jonata Cabernet Blend 2021 sideways bottle

5 · The Bordeaux Blend

The Paring Cabernet Blend 2021
Santa Barbara County.

JD 93 · VM 90 · The Headliner Quote

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% each of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot — the classic recipe from the same team that makes the 97-point El Desafio. Aged 22 months in French oak (55% new). Cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, and cocoa-dusted sandy-soil signature. Steak, lamb, aged cheddar. Cellar 5–10 years.

Full 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." (Aug 2024)

90 Points · Vinous Media · Antonio Galloni

"The 2021 Red Blend is bold, powerful and quite juicy, with plenty of Santa Barbara savoriness to play off its exuberant fruit. This will make a fine bistro red or house wine. It's another ridiculous value." (Aug 2024)

$28.97

Order Cabernet  →

The Weeknight Case

All Five Wines. One Winemaker.
$144.85 for the Complete Set.

On a restaurant list, the same five would run roughly $450 by the bottle. Reply to this email if you'd like us to pull a mixed 5-pack for pickup or delivery.

Also Available · The Flagship Cult Wines

Jonata & The Hilt.
The 99-Point Radian. The 97-Point El Desafio.

The full remaining Kroenke · Dees flagship allocation — every bottle we have.

The Hilt Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 sideways bottle

The Headliner · 4 Bottles Left

The Hilt "Radian Vineyard" Pinot Noir 2023
Sta. Rita Hills.

JD 99 · JS 98 · WA 97 · VM 96+

The most decorated single-vineyard wine The Hilt has ever released. Jeb Dunnuck says it's "going to flirt with perfection" and comes from "clearly one of the Grand Cru vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills."

$99.99

Only 4 Bottles Left

Order Radian  →
Jonata El Desafio Cabernet 2022 sideways bottle

The Cult Cabernet · 3 Bottles Left

Jonata "El Desafio" Cabernet 2022
Ballard Canyon.

VM 97 · JD 96 · DM 96 · WA 94+

Vinous's Antonio Galloni summed it up in five words: "Calistoga meets Saint-Estèphe in Ballard Canyon." Grown on pure sand, structured to cellar fifteen years — the wine that proves a billionaire's bet on this canyon paid off.

$189.99

Only 3 Bottles Left

Order El Desafio  →
The Hilt Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 sideways bottle

The Grand Cru Chardonnay · 5 Bottles Left

The Hilt "Bentrock Vineyard" Chardonnay 2023
Sta. Rita Hills.

VM 97 · JS 97 · WA 96+ · JD 95

Bentrock's cool-climate Chardonnay is a benchmark of the Sta. Rita Hills: chalky, saline, cut with lemon oil and warm pastry crust. Four critics at 95+ points.

$99.99

Only 5 Bottles Left

Order Bentrock  →
Jonata Todos Red Blend 2021 sideways bottle

The Estate Red Blend · 7 Bottles Left

Jonata "Todos" Red Blend 2021
Ballard Canyon.

JS 94 · JD 93 · VM 93 · DM 93 · WA 92

"Todos" means all: every red variety on the estate in one bottle. Freedom over formula — Matt Dees's playground. Five critics at 92+ points and the most versatile red he makes.

$53.99

Only 7 Bottles Left

Order Todos  →
Jonata La Sangre Syrah 2022 sideways bottle

The Cult Syrah · 3 Bottles Left

Jonata "La Sangre" Syrah 2022
Ballard Canyon.

VM 97 · JD 96 · WA 95

The estate flagship Syrah — grown on pure sand at 550 feet, cropped brutally low. Blood, smoke, black olive, violet. Vinous's 97 points and one of the great California Syrahs of the vintage.

$189.99

Only 3 Bottles Left

Order La Sangre  →
Jonata El Alma Cabernet Franc 2022 sideways bottle

The Cabernet Franc · 6 Bottles Left

Jonata "El Alma" Cabernet Franc 2022
Ballard Canyon.

JD 97 · DM 96 · VM 95+

One of the rarest and most sought-after Cabernet Francs in America. Graphite, tobacco, blackcurrant, and Ballard Canyon sand. Jeb Dunnuck's 97 points confirm what the estate insiders have known: this is the Franc that beats the great ones from Chinon and Bourgueil.

$169.97

Only 6 Bottles Left

Order El Alma  →
The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir 2022 sideways bottle

The Estate Pinot · 4 Bottles Left

The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Sta. Rita Hills.

DM 94 · JS 94 · VM 93 · JD 93

The Hilt's estate cuvée — the blend of the property, and the way to know the address without the Radian price tag. Four critics at 93+, all under $50.

$49.97

Only 4 Bottles Left

Order Hilt Estate  →
Jonata Fenix Right Bank Bordeaux Blend 2020 sideways bottle

The Right-Bank Bordeaux · 4 Bottles Left

Jonata "Fenix" Right-Bank Bordeaux Blend 2020
Ballard Canyon.

VM 96–98 · JD 94–96+ · DM 94

Merlot- and Cabernet Franc-led — Ballard Canyon's answer to Pomerol. Plush, cocoa-dusted, dark plum and truffle. Vinous's ceiling: 98 points.

$94.97

Only 4 Bottles Left

Order Fenix  →

Every Jonata, Hilt & Paring We Have

Same owner as Screaming Eagle. Same winemaker for twenty-two years. The complete Kroenke · Dees California allocation, curated on one page.

Shop the Full Kroenke Collection  →

Dear friends,

The room said it best at last Friday's tasting: "Tastes like it costs four to five times the price." Same farmer, same cellar, same Matt Dees who makes the 99-point Radian and the 97-point El Desafio — just at the price of a weeknight bottle.

Reply to this email if you'd like us to pull a mixed 5-pack of Paring for pickup or delivery — or if you'd like to be added to the Jonata & Hilt allocation list for the flagships.

Shop All Five Paring Wines  →

Store Hours July 4th: 10 AM – 3 PM

To the greatest sub-$30 wines in America,

James Tran

Artisan Wine & Spirits · Mountain View, CA

Artisan Wine & Spirits · 2495 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, CA 94043

Text 650-880-3553 · sales@artisan.wine · artisan.wine


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