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Syrah · Central Coast
98 points from Robert Parker.
“Like with the 2013 Grenache, I was thrilled to be able to taste the 2013 Syrah Male again (twist my arm), and it continues to impress. Giving up fabulous blackberry, bouquet garni, peppery herbs and minerality, this full-bodied, beautifully textured, concentrated and layered Syrah has ultra-fine tannin, impeccable balance and a great finish. It needs 2-4 years of cellaring and will see its 20th birthday in fine form.”
Every detail we hold on this bottle, in one place, so you know exactly what is going into your cellar.
Sine Qua Non is one of California's most famous wine producers. Based just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, and with most of its vineyards in Santa Barbara, it eschews the usual image of top California wine as being only from Napa Valley. That is not the only thing eschewed at Sine Qua Non – the same wine is rarely made more than once, turning the idea of the American icon wine on its head.
The cult winery specializes in Rhône grape varieties, with most of the red wines based on Syrah and Grenache. White wines are typically based on Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier and are also modelled after Rhône wines. While most of Sine Qua Non's vineyards are located in Santa Barbara, the home vineyard (and the winery) is located in Oak View. Many of the wines are labeled under the more generic California and Central Coast AVAs, rather than the specific AVAs the vineyards are located in, giving more freedom when it comes to blending.
Sine Qua Non's first vintage was 1994, as Austrian-born winemaker Manfred Krankl released three barrels of Syrah as "Queen of Spades" with a label he had designed himself. Previously, Krankl had made wines with other winemakers – including the "Black and Blue" wine with Havens Cellars and several wines with John Alban of Alban Vineyards. After releasing Queen of Spades, Krankl sent a bottle to Robert Parker, who promptly gave the wine 95 points – then the highest he'd given any American wine based on a Rhône varietyW
2 bottles, 2 x 1500ml, of the 2013 vintage.
Local pickup is by appointment only. If you choose pickup at checkout, please email sales@cultwine.com to schedule your pickup.
Winemaker Manfred Krankl, at Sine Qua Non, owned by Manfred Krankl.
Yes. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.
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