2009 Sine Qua Non | Thrill Of Stamp Collecting Syrah

Detailed Description

The 2009 Syrah The Thrill Of… impresses for its poise and underlying energy. Dark fruit, spices, licorice and violets sit on a core of firm tannin as this powerful wine opens up in the glass. 90% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 4% Viognier

Reviews: 

• Wine Advocate: The 2009 Syrah The Thrill Of impresses for its poise and underlying energy. Dark fruit, spices, licorice and violets sit on a core of firm tannin as this powerful wine opens up in the glass. Today, The Thrill Of comes across as very, very young. The intensity of the fruit and the oak are dominant at present. In another few years the wine should be spectacular. 
• Vinous:  includes 6% grenache and 4% viognier; 15.5% alcohol): Inky purple. A wild, heady bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, smoky Indian spices and cola. Lush, palate-staining dark fruit flavors show a suave blend of richness and vivacity, picking up floral pastille and licorice nuances with air. Shows superb energy on the finish, which features chewy tannins and a sexy violet pastille quality.

Producer Information

Sine Qua Non has its own winemaking facility in Ventura, California not far from the Santa Barbara vineyards where the fruit is sourced from. In the last few years Manfred and his wife, Elaine, have begun creating their own vineyards dedicated to Rhone varietals. Their winemaking philosophy is to work in very small batches, gravity flow, natural yeasts (unless a fermentation problem is anticipated), long lees aging for the whites and repeated racking for the reds to open them up. This is a modified explanation of a very dedicated and artistic approach to winemaking. The wines are simultaneously very rich and elegant, superbly balanced and thoroughly harmonious with food, never overwhelming.