2010 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Five Shooter Syrah, California, Bottle (750ml) [Slightly Soiled Label]

RP98+ "The 2010 Syrah Five Shooter is straight up gorgeous. A massive wine that somehow holds everything together, it offers a wild array of cassis, blackberry, white chocolate, underbrush and pepper that flows to a full-bodied, layered Syrah that has masses of fine tannin and enough substance to evolve for decades. A blend of 85% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 3% Petite Sirah, 5% Roussanne and 2% Viognier that was fermented with 20% whole cluster and aged 22 months in 59% new French oak, it opens up beautifully in the glass and should be decanted if drinking anytime soon. Drink 2015-2030." JD for TWA Aug 2013

AG98 "I have tasted the 2010 Syrah Five Shooter on numerous occasions, and it has never been anything less than stellar. A stunning, expressive bouquet melds into layers of dark fruit, black pepper, sage, menthol, minerals and spices, all supported by intense graphite and melted road tar undertones. The wine seems to gain intensity with time in the glass, leading to a huge, explosive, saline-infused finish. The 2010 Syrah Five Shooter is a stunner from Sine Qua Non. The blend is 85% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 5% Roussanne, 3% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, with a total of 20% whole clusters, that spent 22 months in French oak barrels, about 59% new." AG for VM Jul 2013

Jeb Dunnuck for RopertParker.com writes, "About as good as it gets across the board, these singular, incredible wines are the result of an obsessive attention to detail at all stages of the wine making process. There is no secret or hidden magic going on here. The incredibly talented and down-to-earth Manfred Krankl simply walks the walk as opposed to only talking about attention to detail or offering up the standard, wine is made in the vineyard comments. The 2010s here are stunning and have everything; gorgeous fruit, awesome concentration and incredible purity. While the most age-worthy of the recent vintages, they're a spectacular drink even today. They have solid concentration and overall balanced profiles that should allow them to cruise in the cellar." Published: Aug 28, 2013