2015 Sine Qua Non Syrah "M" Eleven Confessions Vineyard

Community Tasting Note

Cristal2000 Likes this wine:

99 Points

Monday, December 2, 2019 - This is a very special wine. Super intense, deep and powerful, yet somehow seamless with very little weight. Starts with a nose of smoked meat, black olives, violets, black licorice and spice box. A powerhouse on the palate, it shows huge mostly black fruit, backed up by earthy and mineral driven flavors. The tannins are amazingly integrated and refined, with wonderful layering and a super sophisticated mouthfeel. Maybe the most amazing quality here is there is nothing flabby at all despite endless fruit intensity. The wine remains focused and firm, with purity and amazing persistence. Better with more air and certainly early for this wine, but fun to experience. Many thanks to CSIMM1161 for providing this beauty at dinner.

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14 comments have been posted

Comment posted by lessthanjoey:

12/2/2019 2:43:00 PM - Thank you for the early note! (and to CSIMM1161 for popping it so early)
Comment posted by Cristal2000:

12/2/2019 3:00:00 PM - Certainly fun to try this early, even with a super long life ahead of it. You will not be disappointed!
Comment posted by lessthanjoey:

12/2/2019 3:09:00 PM - Hmm, might have to bring one home from storage and Coravin a glass :)
Comment posted by csimm:

12/2/2019 9:46:00 PM - CRISTAL2000 sacrificed a compelling Vice Versa Crane BBS, so I think I might’ve made out on this deal..?!.... The SQN was surprisingly accessible and didn’t have a hard edge. Not overly extracted like some of Manfred’s wines can be. Always good to share fun wine with great friends!
Comment posted by vintage1949:

3/1/2020 7:37:00 AM - Hi Cristal,
Sorry to impose such a possible complicated question. When making the SQN list can you purchase any of their current offerings just like Carter wines or do you work your up as with Cayuse Bionic Frog? Dave
Comment posted by Cristal2000:

3/1/2020 2:29:00 PM - Hi Dave - well, I've been on the SQN waiting list for about 9 years and still haven't made it on, so I can't answer with any certainty. That said, I would guess that it is a hierarchy deal, where the longer you are on the list, the better wines you get offered...as with Cayuse. Cheers!
Comment posted by lessthanjoey:

3/1/2020 2:40:00 PM - Everyone gets the same wines, just volume changes (multiple sets, mags, etc)
Comment posted by vintage1949:

3/1/2020 6:56:00 PM - Greetings Less,
Can you just buy their Syrah or do you have to buy their Grenache as well? Dave
Comment posted by vintage1949:

3/1/2020 7:02:00 PM - Another question Cristal-Have you had the Bionic Frog? Does it hold a candle to a SQN Syrah? Dave
Comment posted by vintage1949:

3/1/2020 7:33:00 PM - To CSIMM1161,
Wow sure wish I lived in your area. What great fun you must have sharing really good wine. To be blunt at gatherings with my friends I am the only one who spends about $200-$300 per bottle for special occasions. Everyone really appreciates it but I don’t get a chance to try other wines in the same league. My darn health prevents me from flying around otherwise I would kindly ask to join you for a dinner. Good friends that love wine is very special. Dave
Comment posted by csimm:

3/1/2020 10:04:00 PM - Hopefully you can find folks in your area that can share good wine with you at some point. Good wine friends are great to find. I’m lucky to be the recipient of a few generous friends who appreciate wine and tolerate my nonsensical blatherings :)
Comment posted by lessthanjoey:

3/1/2020 10:55:00 PM - Have to buy both, 3+3. Extended barrel age and regular releases come out at different times. No idea if you stay on the list just buying one or the other.
Comment posted by vintage1949:

3/2/2020 3:05:00 AM - To 1161,
Back in 1983 I started my cities wine club which still exists today with well
over 80 members. Nobody today seems to want to get into wines at higher prices.

Regarding SQN-Bummer that you have to buy three Grenache. I am not a big fan of Grenache unless theirs is different from the lesser priced wines I have tried of that type.
Comment posted by Cristal2000:

3/2/2020 2:57:00 PM - Hi Dave - I haven't had Bionic Frog. Honestly, for the most part GSM isn't really up my alley, so limited exposure.