2006 Sine Qua Non, SQN, In The Crosshairs, Sta. Rita Hills, Magnum (1.5L)

2006 In the Cross Hairs 11 Confessions Vineyard: This is Sine Qua Non?s extended barrel-aged Grenache (meaning that in most vintages since 2003, Krankl has produced two cuvees of Grenache, one aged 18-22 months before bottling, and the other one with extended barrel-aging, in this case 32 months in wood). A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah and 4% Viognier, all from the 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this is one of the most extraordinarily elegant Grenaches Krankl has produced. It is an intellectual wine, yet it doesn?t wimp out by any means. It is full-bodied and voluptuously textured, with notes of spice box, licorice and Provencal herbs, copious quantities of black currant and kirsch liqueur, stunning richness and a finish lasting close to a minute. This amazing effort confirms Krankl?s meticulous and nearly obsessively detailed work in both the vineyard and the winery. Anticipated maturity: now-2022.
Sine Qua Non, In The Crosshairs, Sta. Rita Hills