TN: SQN, Terry Hoage, Aalto, Turley

Tasted Tuesday, April 27, 2010 by Loren Sonkin with 735 views

Introduction

Last night I met with my winery partners to discuss the plans, label designs and other issues for SonkinCellars. It is always interesting to hear the thoughts, concerns and ideas of such a diverse group of personalities. The one things I do know, is that when we get together to discuss wine, we drink some good stuff.

All wines were consumed non blind in a relaxing setting with pizza and salad.

Flight 1 (5 Notes)

  • 2006 Sine Qua Non The Hoodoo Man 94 Points

    USA, California

    This got better all night long. Popped and poured straight from the wine fridge, I bet its better today. Awesome nose! Almonds, orange rind, orange marmalade and a hint of lemon rind. With air, this morphed into the same flavors added to a vanilla shake. I really loved the nose. Even a slightly floral tone. On the palate, this needed to warm up to really show its stuff. Complex with layers of fruit. Really crisp and precise despite the immense size. There is a lot of alcohol but its not hot. Its shows in body and finish. Lovely white wine.

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  • 2004 Sine Qua Non Syrah Poker Face 96 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast

    I had this wine a few years ago and its interesting to see how its changed. I think I would leave these alone for a while as it seems to be in a tweaner phase. Still, its delicious now and that is more that I think it shows glimpses of being even better. This bottle was decanted for a couple of hours prior to drinking. The nose is elegant. Not a monster in any way. Black raspberries, some cocoa, bacon fat, and even a white floral note. On the palate, this seemed subdued to an extent although air seemed to bring it back. Its complex and very smooth. I had to really stop and pay attention to this to really appreciate it. I generally don't think of SQN as contemplative wines, but this one has become one. Great finish. More and more I am coming to the conclusion that for my tastes, the better Cal Syrahs, the monsters, need a lot more time and WILL age just fine.

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  • 2003 Terry Hoage Vineyards Syrah The Hedge 93 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    These wines also demonstrate just how well they can age. The "older" Hoages are getting better and better. These early vintages were made by Justin Smith, but I think Terry's will do just as well. Inky purple in color. On the nose, this is raw but great. Black raspberries, slight game, bacon fat, black pepper and really powerful. On the palate, this is smooth and layered. Complex but full of fruit. Not really showing tertiary notes, more just a melding and smoothing out of the raw materials into a seamless but layered drink. Nice finish. This is bigger than the SQN and at first I thought I preferred it. After further review, it does not have quite the depth and smoothness, but is still outstanding.

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  • 2001 Bodegas AAlto Ribera del Duero AAlto 92 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    I am not sure why I brought this, but I knew there would be bigger Syrahs and I wanted to contrast. This was so different than the other reds, but is very good. The nose has some barnyard. Also cherries and some leather. The oak has integrated and is a non-issue. On the palate, this has some fruit but is more about forest floor and earth with some cherries. Complex and contemplative. I liked this quite a bit but the crowd seemed split. I wish I had not drunk any young, because I like this more now. Alas, it was my last bottle although I think I have some PS from this vintage.

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  • 2007 Turley Petite Syrah Turley Estate 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Actually I am not sure about the vineyard but it was an 07 PS. This was just too young. It had a nice inky purple color. The nose was full of gobs of black raspberries, blue berries and some graphite. On the palate, this is monolithic and impenetrable. Plenty of fruit and enjoyable, but lacked the intellectual stimulation of the other wines. Still, enjoyable, but give it a few years. For now, it offers up hedonistic pleasures though.

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