2019 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Eleven Confessions Collectors Case, Sta. Rita Hills, Case of 2 Magnum [Syrah & Grenache]

JD100 "The late bottled 2019 Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard is another undeniably great wine from this incredible estate and it tops out my scale. Based on 89% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, and the balance Gelber Muskateller (Muscat Blanc), all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 39 months in 50% new French oak, with the balance in 2- to 5-year-old barrels. It's a powerful, full-bodied, opulent Grenache that brings to mind a great vintage of Domaine de Marcoux's Vieilles Vignes with its gorgeous red and black fruits, smoked herbs, leather, and assorted spicy, sandalwood, and peppery nuances. Full-bodied on the palate, it has flawless balance, a deep, layered mid-palate, and velvety tannins. It brings that rare mix of richness and elegance that only Grenache can. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+." JD Aug 2023

LP100 "The 2019 Eleven Confessions Vineyard Syrah is deep garnet-black in color. A mushroom cloud of exotic spices and incense erupts from the glass, leading to a core of plum preserves and blueberry pie, plus suggestions of dark chocolate, black truffles, mossy tree bark, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is densely packed yet remarkably fresh and bright, delivering a solid backbone of fine-grained tannins, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. I love the juxtaposition between power and vibrancy here! The blend is 82% Syrah, 13.1 % Grenache, and 3.3% Petite Sirah, with splashes of Viognier and Gelber Muskateller (a white grape - Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains), all coming from the Krankls' Eleven Confessions vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. 13% whole cluster was incorporated into the winemaking. It was aged for 39 months in French oak barrels, 66% new, and bottled in January 2023. 968 cases and 240 magnums were made." LPB for TWI Aug 2023