2020 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Eleven Confessions Grenache, Sta. Rita Hills, Magnum (1.5L)

JD100 "The 2020 Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard is another absolutely heavenly wine from this estate, and it's easily one of the top wines from California in 2020. Darker berries, tapenade, roasted herbs, and a bloody, iron-like character define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, stacked mid-palate, velvety tannins, and a great, great finish. It reminds me of a Châteauneuf du Pape from the likes of Jean-Paul Daumen and is a tour de force in Grenache that I wish every reader could taste. Coming from a hot growing season, this beauty is powerful and full throttle, yet like all of Manfred's wines, it holds onto a sense of purity, balance, and elegance that's something to behold. Drink bottles any time over the coming two decades. The blend is 82% Grenache, 13% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Gelber Muskateller, fermented with 27% whole clusters, and aged 38 months in 41% new French oak." JD Aug 2024

LP99 "The 2020 Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard comes entirely from the Krankls’ estate vineyard, which they planted in 2000 and 2001. The Grenache is blended with 13.1% Syrah, 3.3% Petite Sirah, and 1.6% Gelber Muskateller, and was vinified with 27% whole clusters. It was aged for 38 months in French oak, mainly larger demi-muids, 41% new. Medium to deep garnet in color with a touch of purple, it charges out of the gate with powerful notes of warm blackberries, baked plums, red currant jelly, and star anise, giving way to wafts of rose oil, wild sage, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate is coated with rich, densely laden red and black fruit preserves flavors, beautifully supported by a lively backbone of freshness and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long with provocative mineral sparks. 835 cases and 228 magnums were made." LPB for TWI Sept 2024

AG98 "Another stellar wine in this range, the 2020 Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel. A wine of exquisite aromatic presence and nuance, the 2020 is all class. It shows all the natural richness that is such a signature here while retaining gorgeous, open-knit aromatics that resonate off a rich core of fruit. Raspberry and pomegranate open first, followed by exotic, tropical fruit accents that build in the glass. This is such a distinctive wine shaped by a touch of Gelber Muskateller in the blend that adds flair. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12.1% Syrah, 3.3% Petite Sirah and 1.6% Gelber Muskateller, all from Eleven Confessions." AG for VM Aug 2024