Sylvain Martinez

Corbeau vin artisanal Grolleau Gamay 2019

President Obama

9.3

Waves. Mild funk. — a year ago

Sine Qua Non

Raven Series No. 5 Syrah 2006

Roman Sukley

9.8

2006 Sine Qua Non "The Raven" Series No. 5
I decided to cut my SQN French class today with all the new French named SQN labels and go slightly old school with the Raven. But instead, I found myself still mired squarely in the Northern Rhône Valley. Perhaps Manfred should have named this one “Corbeau” or “Noir Comme du Charbon” because this one has me thinking Guigal La La. As these older SQN’s age, they seem to take on more Northern Rhône characteristics. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier primarily from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard with small quantities from the Bien Nacido and White Hawk vineyards. Bottled after spending 22 months in oak casks. Potpourri of sweet black and blue fruits, forest floor, Asian spice, bacon fat, tar, black olives and spring flowers on the almost overwhelmingly sumptuous nose. Mind-blowing really.
On the palate, blackberry jam, cracked white pepper, cherries, cinnamon, tobacco and allspice. Opulent mouthfeel. Ethereal texture. Dense, seamless, elegant. Complex, bold, rich and layered. So much finesse. “Tres Bon”Mr. Krankl!

— 6 years ago

James, Jonathan and 24 others liked this

Shay A

One of the few SQN bottles I’ve had the pleasure of being able to enjoy...I believe I gave this the same score. And the ‘06 Raven Grenache is just as enjoyable! @Shawn R