Sine Qua Non
Deux Grenouilles White Blend
California, USA
Based on 36% Roussanne, 29% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier, and the balance Petite Manseng and Muscat. I waffled between thinking this was more accessible than the ‘15 white wine from SQN, and then thinking this needs a serious decant/few years tucked away. Lots of change happening in the glass. Floral in a sense of wild flowers and dried herbs, but definitely not soft or light. Chamomile as well. Very honeyed aromatics accompanied by sea salt. On the palate, just SQN’s typical mind blowing texture and continual reveal of so many flavors...butterscotch, waxy, savory popcorn kernel, grilled lemon tart and caramelized mango. It sports zippy acidity and is best enjoyed a tad warmer than cellar temp at this stage. Powerful. Hope I can revisit one of these a few years down the line.
Based on 36% Roussanne, 29% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier, and the balance Petite Manseng and Muscat. I waffled between thinking this was more accessible than the ‘15 white wine from SQN, and then thinking this needs a serious decant/few years tucked away. Lots of change happening in the glass. Floral in a sense of wild flowers and dried herbs, but definitely not soft or light. Chamomile as well. Very honeyed aromatics accompanied by sea salt. On the palate, just SQN’s typical mind blowing texture and continual reveal of so many flavors...butterscotch, waxy, savory popcorn kernel, grilled lemon tart and caramelized mango. It sports zippy acidity and is best enjoyed a tad warmer than cellar temp at this stage. Powerful. Hope I can revisit one of these a few years down the line.
Jun 20th, 2019
Ok this is just great as confirmed by mom who asked for a third pour. Normally she prefers red but said no I’m drinking white tonight. It’s gone mom. Oh damn.
Ok this is just great as confirmed by mom who asked for a third pour. Normally she prefers red but said no I’m drinking white tonight. It’s gone mom. Oh damn.
Jan 1st, 2024
2016 vintage. Decanted, placed atop an ice bath and tasted after 2.5 hours in the 57-60 degree range. Ripe and packing depth. White Burgundy nose but that didn't translate into the flavor profile. Medium body. Demanding on the palate but delicious. 12.25.23.
2016 vintage. Decanted, placed atop an ice bath and tasted after 2.5 hours in the 57-60 degree range. Ripe and packing depth. White Burgundy nose but that didn't translate into the flavor profile. Medium body. Demanding on the palate but delicious. 12.25.23.
Dec 26th, 2023Wow. Delicious but very different.
Wow. Delicious but very different.
Dec 11th, 2023
A bit too oaky for my taste, but this is still a great chardonnay-driven blend from Manfred at SQN. Aromas are dominated by honeysuckle, vanilla, and lemon. Balanced (of course: it’s SQN), with a lingering finish. Definitely improved with time in the glass, which makes me think that it’s just too early to be drinking this one. Have one more of these in my cellar - going to let that one sit for a few years and see what happens.
A bit too oaky for my taste, but this is still a great chardonnay-driven blend from Manfred at SQN. Aromas are dominated by honeysuckle, vanilla, and lemon. Balanced (of course: it’s SQN), with a lingering finish. Definitely improved with time in the glass, which makes me think that it’s just too early to be drinking this one. Have one more of these in my cellar - going to let that one sit for a few years and see what happens.
Mar 21st, 2020
Medium yellow; rich, floral nose with notes of the viognier; palate full and ripe, this is honeyed and luscious.
Medium yellow; rich, floral nose with notes of the viognier; palate full and ripe, this is honeyed and luscious.
This is terrific, but could probably benefit from a couple of years in the cellar because I think there’s a lot more to this wine than is evident right now (so, it could go from awesome to...super awesome, I guess?). Totally a first-world review, I grant you: this is a great wine!
This is terrific, but could probably benefit from a couple of years in the cellar because I think there’s a lot more to this wine than is evident right now (so, it could go from awesome to...super awesome, I guess?). Totally a first-world review, I grant you: this is a great wine!
Dec 26th, 2018
Better than many recent SQN whites I've had
Better than many recent SQN whites I've had
Oct 17th, 2018
