Sine Qua Non
Dirt Vernacular Grenache Blend
California, USA
Nose-on attack of baking chocolate and dark, black cherries. Rich and smooth, bordering opulent but not the least bit cloying. Hides 16% alcohol with stealth. Mouth coating fig, more chocolate and a minute-plus tail. Outrageously awesome. Suspect this will improve with more age.
Nose-on attack of baking chocolate and dark, black cherries. Rich and smooth, bordering opulent but not the least bit cloying. Hides 16% alcohol with stealth. Mouth coating fig, more chocolate and a minute-plus tail. Outrageously awesome. Suspect this will improve with more age.
Jan 30th, 2023
2016 Sine Qua Non "Dirt Vernacular" California Grenache. The blend is 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvedre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 3.5% Petite Sirah, dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications. 16% alcohol. So for me, it all started with “Incognito.” Greatest Grenache I’d ever tasted. Simply stunning and still one of my favorites. How do you top that one? Well then “The Inaugural” showed up. Phenomenal!Then it’s “Ode To E.” Y’all know I absolutely LOVE that wine! Oh but wait, here comes “Trouver L'Arène.” Exquisite! And just in case you missed them all, now there’s tonight’s selection. And I’m pleased to report that the streak continues. As I’ve mentioned previously several times, Grenache is quite possibly the most difficult and finicky grape. But what really sets SQN apart is the final blend. Simply stated, Manfred is a genius when it comes to blending. If you have one, feel free to pull the cork as this wine is absolutely open for business. About a 3 hour decant at cellar temperature, the nose is, as usual with SQN, mind blowing. Cherries, plums, pepper, teriyaki, kirsch and a bouquet of roses. Full-bodied, ultra-rich, multi-layered palate-staining ripe black fruit smorgasbord. Tremendous depth and purity. What a finish! The parade of excellence marches on!
2016 Sine Qua Non "Dirt Vernacular" California Grenache. The blend is 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvedre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 3.5% Petite Sirah, dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications. 16% alcohol. So for me, it all started with “Incognito.” Greatest Grenache I’d ever tasted. Simply stunning and still one of my favorites. How do you top that one? Well then “The Inaugural” showed up. Phenomenal!Then it’s “Ode To E.” Y’all know I absolutely LOVE that wine! Oh but wait, here comes “Trouver L'Arène.” Exquisite! And just in case you missed them all, now there’s tonight’s selection. And I’m pleased to report that the streak continues. As I’ve mentioned previously several times, Grenache is quite possibly the most difficult and finicky grape. But what really sets SQN apart is the final blend. Simply stated, Manfred is a genius when it comes to blending. If you have one, feel free to pull the cork as this wine is absolutely open for business. About a 3 hour decant at cellar temperature, the nose is, as usual with SQN, mind blowing. Cherries, plums, pepper, teriyaki, kirsch and a bouquet of roses. Full-bodied, ultra-rich, multi-layered palate-staining ripe black fruit smorgasbord. Tremendous depth and purity. What a finish! The parade of excellence marches on!
1 person found it helpfulApr 13th, 2019
Very cool contribution from a local Hawkeye but I straight up couldn’t taste it. Palate fatigue x baby killing = no rating
Very cool contribution from a local Hawkeye but I straight up couldn’t taste it. Palate fatigue x baby killing = no rating
May 19th, 2019
Rich and bold. Very potent aromatics. Orange peal, violets, maraschino cherries, black pepper. A meal on its own.
Rich and bold. Very potent aromatics. Orange peal, violets, maraschino cherries, black pepper. A meal on its own.
May 6th, 2022
Post steak & Bordeaux wine, so good if you’re into this juice. Only 16% Abv🤷🏼♂️
Fantastic bottle, I agree with everything @Roman Sukley had to say so I won’t repeat it.
Post steak & Bordeaux wine, so good if you’re into this juice. Only 16% Abv🤷🏼♂️
Fantastic bottle, I agree with everything @Roman Sukley had to say so I won’t repeat it.
2016 Vintage. 16% Alcohol. No lighter style Grenache here. Can’t say more than @Roman Sukley other than first from our allocation and singing at this early age. Much more open than the 2016 SQN Rafael Syrah. This brought the fireworks! Happy July 4th 2020 all!
2016 Vintage. 16% Alcohol. No lighter style Grenache here. Can’t say more than @Roman Sukley other than first from our allocation and singing at this early age. Much more open than the 2016 SQN Rafael Syrah. This brought the fireworks! Happy July 4th 2020 all!
Jul 5th, 2020
Absolutely brilliant. Happy New Year everyone!
Absolutely brilliant. Happy New Year everyone!
Jan 1st, 2020Knee doc & back doc today, so I’m rewarding myself, great nose on P&P great in a few years
I can see Jebs 💯 Rating
Knee doc & back doc today, so I’m rewarding myself, great nose on P&P great in a few years
I can see Jebs 💯 Rating
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, touriga nacional.. who knows? These all taste the same to me.
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, touriga nacional.. who knows? These all taste the same to me.
Jun 12th, 2022