1997 Sine Qua Non - Twisted and Bent
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Tasting notes
The funky artwork on the bottle emerges from Manfred Krankl's artistic side, but as the label says, "the truth is in the inside." The 1997 Twisted and Bent (540 cases) is no wimpy wine. All of the fruit comes from the Alban Vineyard in San Luis Obispo. The 1997's blend is 60% Roussanne and 40% Chardonnay. This is white wine at its most concentrated. Light gold with a greenish hue, it has the unctuosity and nearly the power of chartreuse liqueur, but it is dry, full-bodied, and easy to drink in large quantities (I know). Its honeyed viscosity, and extraordinary bouquet of rose petals, buttery tropical fruits, and orange marmalade are exotic, thrilling, and altogether a treat to satiate both the intellectual and hedonistic senses. The fact that it is dry is an achievement given the degree of sugar at which these grapes must have been picked. Drink this wine (14.7% alcohol) with close friends and delicious food. This wine seems to have the ability to last beyond 2-3 years, but the fact is I never have any left after 24 months. Tel. (805) 649-8901; Fax (805) 640-1230
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Knockout nose of peach, orange, tangerine, lemon, grilled nuts, butterscotch, musky chicken broth, and charred oak. Intensely flavored and sharply detailed in the mouth, with a flavor of fresh apricot complicated by notes of minerals, tangerine and toasty oak. Very firm, youthful and long. Fascinating, nuanced white wine.
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.