2004 Sine Qua Non Grenache Ode To E
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is absolutely stellar. There's not too much more to say. Still young, fresh and vibrant, the 2004 is incredibly impressive. Exotic spice, rose petals, raspberry jam all open up in an effortless, nuanced wine bursting at the seams with personality. Exquisitely nuanced and balanced, the 2004 is a gem. Readers who own the 2004 should be thrilled; as it is a magnificent wine by any measure. My favorite age to drink Sine Qua Non wines is around ten years. The Ode to E Grenache delivers the goods, and then some. The blend is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is a wine of pure texture, power and gravitas. As soon as it is poured, the Ode to E takes hold of all the senses and never lets up, with seemingly endless fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, spice and tobacco notes meld together in a massive, structured wine that thrills with its breathtaking intensity. Ode to E was made from fully destemmed fruit. At ten years of age, it appears to have another decade of prime drinking ahead of it. The 2004 is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier.
(88% grenache, 10% syrah and 2% viognier-a bit different than the unfinished blend I tasted last year; 16.5% alcohol) Opaque purple. Room-filling bouquet offers mulberry, cassis, incense, graphite, smoked meat and cracked pepper, plus a strong potpourri element gaining power with air. Lush and creamy, with impossibly deep dark berry liqueur flavors and quickly expanding spiciness. Utterly stains the palate, finishing (if you can call it that) on strong black raspberry and smoky Indian spice notes. This refuses to let go of the palate and is eerily energetic and precise. Fifty percent whole clusters were used here. Wow!
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.