Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions

Since its 1994 birth, Sine Qua Non has made an indelible impression on wine enthusiasts across the globe, consistently producing eccentric Rhone-style wines from California's Central Coast. Its earliest vineyard, Eleven Confessions, has played an integral role in providing rich fruit for its single-vineyard label, Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions, as well as its other acclaimed wines. Each year, a syrah and grenache blend are crafted from this beautiful site and have helped to push Sine Qua Non as California's top "Rhone Ranger."

Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Vineyard and Terroir

Manfred and Elaine Krankl purchased the Eleven Confessions vineyard in 2001- the couple's first vineyard acquisition. After working with winemaker John Alban, the site was planted with 10 acres of syrah, 8 acres of grenache, 3 acres of roussanne, and 1 acre of viognier in addition to the existing 11 acres of pinot noir. The 33-acre site is nestled in Santa Rita Hills, a small appellation just north of Santa Barbara that provides cool climate conditions for the Rhone vines. Manfred Krankl has described Eleven Confessions as a "warm site in a cool region," experiencing long harvests that typically end in November.

"Elaine and Manfred Krankl were visionaries in identifying the eastern sector of Sta. Rita Hills as an ideal spot for Rhone varieties more than twenty years ago when virtually no one was thinking about Syrah or Grenache here."
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Furthermore, low yields are produced due to the vineyard's heavy clay soils, with 1.5 tons per acre commonplace throughout each harvest. When combined with the high-density plantings (2,420 vines per acre), the ripened fruit is structured, muscular, and intense.

SQN Eleven Confessions: Acclaimed Rhone-Style Wines

Once the harvest is complete, the fruit undergoes SQN's standard vinification process with a twist in the final step. Because the fruit tends to evolve slowly, the syrah and grenache are barrel aged for longer than normal, creating immense purity and precision in the final blend. The bottles are often described as full-bodied, decadent, and fresh, containing an explosion of spices on the palate and a burst of dark fruit on the nose. Critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown has also commented on the incredible aging ability of SQN Eleven Confessions, stating, "the wines become much more classic with significant time in bottle." 

Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions 2016

The inaugural 2003 SQN Eleven Confessions Syrah marked a turning point for Sine Qua Non- the first estate grown and single-vineyard bottle to grace the Rhone's Rangers' portfolio. Since then, numerous Eleven Confessions vintages have become a favorite for critics and drinkers, though certain releases stand out more than others. The 2016 Eleven Confessions was rated 100 points by Jeb Dunnuck for its full-bodied richness and incredible depth of fruit. When reviewing the wine, Dunnuck celebrated the "rare mix of power and elegance that's that hallmark of truly great wines," exemplifying what makes these bottles so special. Only 932 cases of this special wine were released, with most bottles allocated to the mailing list and few making their way to the secondary market.

Celebrate Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions

Year over year, Sine Qua Non cuts through the noise and captivates consumers with eccentric Rhone blends, exquisite bottle art, and one-of-a-kind winemaking. Eleven Confessions holds a special place in the estate's portfolio and has made a claim for being SWN's most important bottle. Add one of these gems to your cellar today to experience a California wine like no other.