2008 Sine Qua Non Syrah B-20
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Tasting notes
Very classy and suave, with a personality that grows on you, the 2008 Sine Qua Non Syrah B 20 is 92% Syrah, 6% Grenache, and 2% Viognier that was aged in 60% French oak for 26 months. Sporting a deep, opaque purple color, it slowly unwinds in the glass to shows layered, decadent aromas of blackberry, cassis style fruits that are intermixed with notions of underbrush, smoked meat, and chocolate. The purity, as well as the depth and focus are the defining traits here, and on the palate, the wine is on the lighter side of full-bodied and possesses a phenomenal texture that coats every part of the mouth, yet never seems heavy or cumbersome. Seamless, very pure, and perfectly balanced, this beauty is bliss now, but given the balance and overall harmony, should continue to shine for upwards of 12-15 years. Brilliant stuff and it excels more for its seamlessness and elegance more than sheer power. This didn't show at its best until the second day, so if drinking anytime soon, decant.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Intense aromas of raspberries and blueberries with hints of flowers and minerals. Full and dense with a beautiful purity and intensity. Very long and intense. Deep. Drink now.
Powerful, intense aromatics meshing blueberry, coffee, almond joy, blackberry liqueuer and 5 spice explode in your face. While concentrated, for Sine Qua Non, the wine lacks the weight and richness found in most vintages. In density, think of the 2001 or older Sine Qua Non Syrah wines, but with less ripeness. The wine ends with a rich, vanilla, blueberry pie sensation. 94 Points
The 2008 Syrah B-20 is a cool, inward wine graced with layers of beautifully delineated, chiseled fruit. This is a distinctly mineral, precise style relative to the more outgoing 2009, but both are striking. Floral notes add lift as the finish turns explosive with a burst of dark fruit, tar, licorice and crushed rocks. This is one of the more understated wines readers are likely to come across from Sine Qua Non. It is gorgeous when given the time to open up. The B-20 is predominantly Syrah, with 6% Grenache and 2% Viognier. About half of the Grenache was fermented with whole clusters and the wine was aged in French oak (60% new) for 26 months. The vineyard sources are 52% Eleven Confessions, 18% Cumulus, 18% Bien Nacido and 12% White Hawk.
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.