2004 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Eleven Confessions Collectors Case, Sta. Rita Hills, Case of 6 btls

RP100 [Grenache] "Leading off with the Grenache-driven efforts, and easily the greatest expression of the variety I’ve ever tasted from California, the 2004 Ode to E (Grenache) is mind-blowing stuff that will stand toe-to-toe with the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made. Coming from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and comprised of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, it sports a still vibrant purple color to go with off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoked herbs and assorted meaty nuances. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with incredible purity and a perfect texture, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade." JD for TWA June 2014

RP100 [Grenache] "2004 Ode to E: This tiny cuvee (248 cases), a blend of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, was pure perfection on the morning in late June when I tasted it. It reminded me of a hypothetical blend of a 2001 Clos du Caillou Reserve and a 2005 Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape. The wine has a stunning ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of melted licorice, lead pencil shavings, jammy black cherries and black currants, incense, and a hint of smoked Peking Duck. Gorgeously opulent, full-bodied and already very complex, but still quite youthful, this is another strikingly haunting wine that was pure perfection and likely to last for at least another decade or more." RP for TWA Aug 2011 RP99 [Syrah] "The 2004 Ode to E (Syrah) is an incredible blend of 94% Syrah, 4% Grenache and 2% Viognier, all from their estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard, that spent just under four years in oak. Boasting insane notes of creme de cassis, barbecued meats, licorice, exotic spices and singed cedar, this beauty flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, seamless, pure and incredibly layered profile that carries massive fruit and concentration, yet never seems heavy, overdone or puts a foot wrong. It’s the purity of fruit, as well as the overall seamlessness that puts this right up near top of the heap. Drinking perfectly now, it will continue to evolve gracefully for another decade or more. It’s incredible juice and I wish every wine lover could have a sip (or a big glass) of it." JD for TWA June 2014