Sine Qua Non

Midnight Oil Syrah Blend

9.536 ratings
8.97 pro ratings
Central Coast, California, USA
Syrah, Grenache, Viognier
Lamb, Turkey, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Pork, Nuts & Seeds, Hard Cheese, Soft Cheese, Shellfish, Quinoa, Mushrooms, Chili & Hot Spicy, Fish, Herbs, Asian Cuisine, Veal, Potato, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Chocolate & Caramel, Salami & Prosciutto, Pasta, Tomato-Based, Exotic Spices, White Rice, Duck, Salads & Greens
Top Notes For
Alejandro Lopez

Mindblowing aromas of camphor showcasing landscapes of analgesic rub as you drink it. Violets, liquorice and blueberry pie all perfectly integrated on this syrah based blend on steroids. The finishing length blows your head off
ᙠo††led /\dЯƎИa⅃ine. Double decanted for three hours and ready to keep it burnin'

Mindblowing aromas of camphor showcasing landscapes of analgesic rub as you drink it. Violets, liquorice and blueberry pie all perfectly integrated on this syrah based blend on steroids. The finishing length blows your head off
ᙠo††led /\dЯƎИa⅃ine. Double decanted for three hours and ready to keep it burnin'

1 person found it helpfulDec 31st, 2014
Doug Kahn

Had qualities of Syrah but overwhelmed by the alcohol

Had qualities of Syrah but overwhelmed by the alcohol

May 3rd, 2017
Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

8.3

Even after 12 years this one is still huge, ripe and young.

Even after 12 years this one is still huge, ripe and young.

Feb 17th, 2013
LM Segal

Best way to describe this is that it took over my brain and my heart. I just couldn’t concentrate on or feel anything but what this crazy juice was doing to my palate and down the chute. @Roman Sukley not crazy. This was magical, and I don’t even know how to score this, 10 doesn’t seem to capture the experience...

Best way to describe this is that it took over my brain and my heart. I just couldn’t concentrate on or feel anything but what this crazy juice was doing to my palate and down the chute. @Roman Sukley not crazy. This was magical, and I don’t even know how to score this, 10 doesn’t seem to capture the experience...

Mar 7th, 2019
Sylvain Rhainds

2001. Quel vin. Jouflu et tellement de matiere. ..sans complexe et assumé....il a ete magnifique hier. SQN lover!

2001. Quel vin. Jouflu et tellement de matiere. ..sans complexe et assumé....il a ete magnifique hier. SQN lover!

Nov 9th, 2019
Kieran

Unbelievably fragrant nose. Pure red berries, licks of spice and gravel. This still feels youthful, but the tannins have almost completely fallen away. Great intensity of fruit, ample drive. Pulsating minerality. Despite its power and alcohol, it has a lovely elegance and shows no signs of heat. A real treat to try.

Unbelievably fragrant nose. Pure red berries, licks of spice and gravel. This still feels youthful, but the tannins have almost completely fallen away. Great intensity of fruit, ample drive. Pulsating minerality. Despite its power and alcohol, it has a lovely elegance and shows no signs of heat. A real treat to try.

Nov 9th, 2019
John Van Trijp

Drinking like a King Tasting @ Bottles in Sas van Gent

Drinking like a King Tasting @ Bottles in Sas van Gent

Oct 14th, 2017
Mac Hofeditz

Killer SQN 🍷💥

Killer SQN 🍷💥

Feb 8th, 2017
Jim McCusker

Another beauty from Manfred Krankle at Sine Qua Non, this 2001 has lost a little steam since we last tried it in 2010 (check out Vanessa's notes for how she described it back then). Subdued but nevertheless sweet red and black fruits on the nose, the tannins have softened considerably to where I would say this is probably just past peak. Exhibits seamless balance across the mid-palate through a 30-second finish, the rating really reflects it relative to when we had it in 2010. This is still a great, older example of the genius that is Manfred and Sine Qua Non.

Another beauty from Manfred Krankle at Sine Qua Non, this 2001 has lost a little steam since we last tried it in 2010 (check out Vanessa's notes for how she described it back then). Subdued but nevertheless sweet red and black fruits on the nose, the tannins have softened considerably to where I would say this is probably just past peak. Exhibits seamless balance across the mid-palate through a 30-second finish, the rating really reflects it relative to when we had it in 2010. This is still a great, older example of the genius that is Manfred and Sine Qua Non.

Jan 11th, 2016
Matt Reagan

Grenache and wood. Sensational.

Grenache and wood. Sensational.

Mar 14th, 2015