Sine Qua Non

Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Vineyard Syrah Sta. Rita Hills

California

Sta. Rita Hills

The 2019 Eleven Confessions Vineyard Syrah is deep garnet-black in color. A mushroom cloud of exotic spices and incense erupts from the glass, leading to a core of plum preserves and blueberry pie, plus suggestions of dark chocolate, black truffles, mossy tree bark, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is densely packed yet remarkably fresh and bright, delivering a solid backbone of fine-grained tannins, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. I love the juxtaposition between power and vibrancy here! The blend is 82% Syrah, 13.1 % Grenache, and 3.3% Petite Sirah, with splashes of Viognier and  Gelber Muskateller (a white grape - Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains), all coming from the Krankls' Eleven Confessions vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. 13% whole cluster was incorporated into the winemaking. It was aged for 39 months in French oak barrels, 66% new, and bottled in January 2023. 968 cases and 240 magnums were made.

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

The 2020 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard comes entirely from the Krankls’ estate vineyard, which they planted in 2000 and 2001. A blend of 84% Syrah, 11.5% Grenache, 2.3% Petite Sirah, plus 2.2% of Gelber Muskateller and Viognier, the wine was vinified with 25% whole clusters and aged for around 38 months in primarily French oak barrels, 58% new, though 9% was aged in concrete. Exuberant notes of juicy plums, boysenberry preserves, and aniseed come bounding out, followed by hints of iris bulb, aniseed, Indian spices, and fragrant soil. Full-bodied, the palate is so, so satiny smooth and seductive, delivering a refreshing line to balance, finishing long and spicy. 849 cases and 228 magnums were made.

2020	No priceNot available	Extraordinary
2019	No priceNot available	Extraordinary

Category	Red wine
Vinmonopolet no.
Producer	Sine Qua Non
Vintages	2019
Country	US, California, Sta. Rita Hills
Bottle	75 cl

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