Sine Qua Non

Five Shooter Grenache

9.5122 ratings
9.435 pro ratings
Central Coast, California, USA
Grenache
Chocolate & Caramel, Herbs, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Turkey, Pasta, Mushrooms, Veal, Tomato-Based, Chicken, Exotic Spices, Potato, White Rice, Duck, Nuts & Seeds, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Asian Cuisine, Salads & Greens, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, Quinoa
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.6

Another 4th Friday for the books, and one of the best of the year!

I must be doing something right to have had this wine twice in about 5 months. This was on the table with an ‘09 SQN “Upside Down” Grenache and I think this showed a bit more depth in comparison. Notes are very similar. Peppercorn, spiced rhubarb tart, cedar and an iron note on the finish. The flavors here show lots of spicy red fruit and the black fruit notes are underripe. A smokey characteristic. Fantastic as always,
@Keith Fisher

Another 4th Friday for the books, and one of the best of the year!

I must be doing something right to have had this wine twice in about 5 months. This was on the table with an ‘09 SQN “Upside Down” Grenache and I think this showed a bit more depth in comparison. Notes are very similar. Peppercorn, spiced rhubarb tart, cedar and an iron note on the finish. The flavors here show lots of spicy red fruit and the black fruit notes are underripe. A smokey characteristic. Fantastic as always,
@Keith Fisher

Oct 27th, 2018
Shay A
9.5

Another 4th Friday for the books. What a much needed time out of the house and to be with friends after this past week.

It’s SQN, so descriptions normally fall short. I am partial to US Syrah vs US Grenache, BUT, I am fascinated by SQN’s play on Grenache. You could smell the black peppercorn here, imitating a top shelf CdP. It faded to a more iron/jerky like note that had a very solid amount of acidity in play. Still a baby. After time in the glass it gave way to some floral/lavender notes as well as a crazy complex finish that added baking spice and dark fruit.

Another 4th Friday for the books. What a much needed time out of the house and to be with friends after this past week.

It’s SQN, so descriptions normally fall short. I am partial to US Syrah vs US Grenache, BUT, I am fascinated by SQN’s play on Grenache. You could smell the black peppercorn here, imitating a top shelf CdP. It faded to a more iron/jerky like note that had a very solid amount of acidity in play. Still a baby. After time in the glass it gave way to some floral/lavender notes as well as a crazy complex finish that added baking spice and dark fruit.

Jun 23rd, 2018
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.5

Quick sip from Russell Bevan. Stunning.

Quick sip from Russell Bevan. Stunning.

May 12th, 2018
Nick Lobaccaro

2010 Sine Qua Non Grenache- About as good as it gets across the board, these singular, incredible wines are the result of an obsessive attention to detail at all stages of the wine making process. There is no secret or hidden magic going on here. The incredibly talented and down-to-earth Manfred Krankl simply walks the walk as opposed to only talking about attention to detail or offering up the standard, wine is made in the vineyard comments. Looking at the vintages focused on here, 2009 has produced a decadent, voluptuous style that offers up thrilling levels of fruit as well as an approachable, heady richness that-s hard to resist. While they possess ample depth and structure, I would drink these before either the 2010s or 2011s. The 2010s here are stunning and have everything; gorgeous fruit, awesome concentration and incredible purity. While the most age-worthy of the recent vintages, they're a spectacular drink even today. The 2011s, which were all tasted out of barrel, have additional freshness and focus over the 2010s. They have solid concentration and overall balanced profiles that should allow them to cruise in the cellar.

2010 Sine Qua Non Grenache- About as good as it gets across the board, these singular, incredible wines are the result of an obsessive attention to detail at all stages of the wine making process. There is no secret or hidden magic going on here. The incredibly talented and down-to-earth Manfred Krankl simply walks the walk as opposed to only talking about attention to detail or offering up the standard, wine is made in the vineyard comments. Looking at the vintages focused on here, 2009 has produced a decadent, voluptuous style that offers up thrilling levels of fruit as well as an approachable, heady richness that-s hard to resist. While they possess ample depth and structure, I would drink these before either the 2010s or 2011s. The 2010s here are stunning and have everything; gorgeous fruit, awesome concentration and incredible purity. While the most age-worthy of the recent vintages, they're a spectacular drink even today. The 2011s, which were all tasted out of barrel, have additional freshness and focus over the 2010s. They have solid concentration and overall balanced profiles that should allow them to cruise in the cellar.

3 people found it helpfulFeb 9th, 2014
Jim Wallick

2 hours in a decanter and couldn't be better

2 hours in a decanter and couldn't be better

1 person found it helpfulFeb 9th, 2014
Eric Hwang

What can I say. It is what it is. Fabulous!

What can I say. It is what it is. Fabulous!

Oct 25th, 2015
Erik McLaughlin

Vice President Seven Hills Winery

9.2

2010 vintage

2010 vintage

Aug 29th, 2015
Kyle Schlachter

Writer Colorado Wine Press

9.0

Slutty. Hot, fruit smoothie, liqueur, blueberry pie, massive aromatics, massive wine.

Slutty. Hot, fruit smoothie, liqueur, blueberry pie, massive aromatics, massive wine.

Apr 3rd, 2015
Ki Punwar

Owner, California Wine Republic

9.5

Great label great SQN

Great label great SQN

Mar 17th, 2015
Nathan Adams

Consulting Wine/Beverage Director, Snake River Brewing, Persephone, King Sudachi

9.4

Well deserved after a long week.

Well deserved after a long week.

Oct 18th, 2014