98 Jeb Dunnuck
A thrilling Grenache that has an almost Janasse Vieille Vignes like aromatic profile, the 2008 Sine Qua Non Grenache The Duel is a blend of 82% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 2% Viognier, and 2% Roussanne, all from the estate’s Eleven Confessions vineyard, that was fermented with 32% whole cluster and aged in a scant 15% new French oak. Incredibly pure and energetic, it displays knockout aromas of crisp red and black berry fruit, licorice, roasted meats, crushed flowers, and sappy underbrush to go with saturating, liquid mineral like quality that permeates both the aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very rich, it nevertheless stays gorgeously focused and detailed on the palate, with a silky texture riding over firm underlying tannin and notable acidity.
97 Wine Advocate
Sine Qua Non’s 2008 Grenache Estate The Duel boasts extraordinary richness, power and sheer depth. Tobacco, leather, mint and spices are woven together in this large-scaled Grenache. There is plenty of intensity here, but the 2008 has just a touch less aromatic definition than the very finest wines at Sine Qua Non. I imagine some of that may be the result of extended aging in oak. The 2008 is 82% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 2% Viognier and 1% Roussanne, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills. A portion of the Grenache was fermented using whole clusters.
95 Int'l Wine Cellar
Opaque purple. Blackberry, blueberry, incense and potpourri on the heady, powerfully scented nose. Offers a wild array of dark fruit and floral flavors, with intense spiciness and a lush, velvety texture. This wine completely stains the palate yet comes off as shockingly lithe, with the sweet, spicy finish featuring fully absorbed tannins.
About Sine Qua Non:
Manfred Krankl founded Sine Qua Non in 1994, working in California’s south central coast and Santa Barbara County regions, ground zero for the emerging “Rhône Ranger” scene. He was helped by friends such as Adam Tolmach at Ojai Vineyard and John Alban of Alban Vineyards, and bought grapes from Alban as well as Stolpman, Bien Nacido, Shadow Canyon and White Hawk Vineyards but has since started developing vineyards owned by he and his wife, Elaine, dedicated to Rhone varietals. His estate vineyards include Cumulus Vineyard in Ventura County, 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, as well as his property in Alisos Canyon. The white wines have always been a blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier and the red wines Syrah and Grenache. Sometimes he produces small amounts of Rose.
Sine Qua Non's winery facility is in Ventura, California. As winemaker, Krankl treats each vintage as a completely unique wine which is why he gives each wine a unique name. He also personally creates the artwork for each new label. His meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, both in the vineyard and in the winery, have been increasingly noticeable in the mid to late 2000's when he seemed to hit full stride. Manfred has turned out successful vintage after vintage and with each amazing vintage comes equally incredible and expressive label artwork and meticulously crafted wood wine boxes.
