July 4, 2023 - Long ago this girl was showing more leg. Now into adulthood, still looks the part, but the intoxicating fruit has faded into the stench of damp earth. First sip reminded me of old second growth Bordeaux, but with ballance. As with other SQN wines, the taste may change but the pleasure remains. Smooth, tannins now hide in the dirt, fruit has passed on leaving a trace of tobacco lips and dried raisin. Perfect paring would be a fine cigar.
Hard to rate, logic says easy 94 pts, but desire would not trade it for any less than a 96.
May 22, 2023 - Pausing for the Cause Fundraiser and Dinner (Galit - Chicago IL): For me, 2002 was when Sine Qua Non was going from a very good to great producer. This continues to be a nearly great wine with dense, fleshy back fruit that is still reasonably fresh with subtle spice, faint complexity, and good+ concentration.
May 22, 2023 - Stunning color, lots of beery weight on the palate. 2 hr decant and what a treat. Will be very good long term and fun to have side by side with ‘89 Chapoutier Le Pavillion. Old world classic vs New world wonder.
April 19, 2023 - Opulent nose of black fruits, bacon and mint.
Mouth of immense richness, the wine is black and oily with its 14.9%. And yet, it is perfectly digestible and savory, with a textured and silky touch on the palate, with aromas of bright black fruits, a touch of bacon. The juice is of an enormous concentration with an enormous complexity because in the second curtain, aromas of tobacco, ox blood and vanilla intermingle with always these black fruits of blueberry and blackcurrant. Slight sensation of sweetness which does not detract from the freshness of the whole. Immense and oily finish, as menthol as vanilla over an endless length.
Excellent Syrah, for those who like the exuberant style typical of Californian Syrah.
December 10, 2022 - The wine has hit an elegant stage and the typical over the top SQN elements have mellowed. Wonderful black fruits without any plum. Velvety smooth and long finish.
December 10, 2022 - Middag hos Thomas och Maria 10 dec 2022 (Lund): Lund
September 22, 2022 - Grapes for Great Causes: Older SQN and SE Flight ‘06-‘09 (Les Nomades Chciago): 4 1/2 hr decant, super nose, palate drenching, long finish, Wow, stellar at 21 years with a lot of life to go. Speechless. Hold, drink.
December 14, 2021 - Opened 3 hours before serving. Much more jammy, smoky, minty, with toasty oak. Soooo smooth around 4 hours after opening.
February 27, 2021 - Decant for 4 hours and served with smoked baby back ribs. Beautifully balance wine with a long finish. Had this for the, That Bottle Night.
December 19, 2020 - Fully mature nose displaying concentrated slightly dry black and blue fruit, blackberry liqueur, black cherry, blueberry pie, beef blood, tobacco, leather, dark spices and earth. Fully integrated palate, layers upon layers of concentrate blue fruit, slightly chewy, rich and warm, bright acidity and mineral, and a long ripe black and blue fruit driven finish with charred steak and leather at the end. This is fully mature but no need to hurry as there is plenty of fruit.