Sine Qua Non Pictures Grenache 2007
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Sine Qua Non Pictures Grenache 2007
HED2737
75 cl
15.6%
£450.00
Taxes included.
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Founded in 1994 by Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine, Sine Qua Non has gained a cult following for its exceptional and limited-edition Rhône-style wines. The 2007 Pictures Grenache is primarily composed of Grenache (87%), with smaller amounts of Syrah (11.5%) and Viognier (1.5%) added to the blend. The grapes were sourced from several vineyards in California, including the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills appellation, the White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Barbara County, and the Alban Vineyard in Edna Valley. The wine boasts a rich, full-bodied palate, with flavours of ripe red and black fruits, such as raspberries, black cherries, and plums, along with notes of chocolate, liquorice and baking spices.
97 Robert Parker
2007 Pictures Grenache: A blend of 87% Grenache, 11.5% Syrah, and 1.5% Viognier, this wine has wonderful floral notes intermixed with black raspberries, black cherries, licorice, graphite and some camphor. In the mouth, more white chocolate notes appear, along with meatiness and some silky tannins. Its great purity, density and richness make me think this wine could even improve a few points and flirt with perfection. This stunning wine should drink nicely for another 10-15 years.
The conclusions I came to about this tasting may seem obvious just by reading the tasting notes. People forget that as famous as Sine Qua Non and both Elaine and Manfred Krankl have become over the last 15 years, their wines really only began to hit full world-class qualitative levels at the turn of the last century (2000). The vineyard sources have largely changed from Alban, Stolpman, Bien Nacido, Shadow Canyon and White Hawk Vineyards to primarily estate vineyards Cumulus Vineyard in Ventura County and 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. In the future, Krankl’s newest vineyard in Alisos Canyon will be an additional component part. His meticulous craftsmanship and phenomenal attention to detail, both in the vineyard and in the winery, have been increasingly noticeable over the last decade. He seemed to hit full stride about eight or nine years ago, and what has unfolded since then is an absolutely brilliant succession of true works of genius, both in his expressive, sometimes slightly abstract artwork on the labels, to the meticulously crafted wood boxes in which the wines are housed. Of course, the most important thing of all, the actual wine itself, is both the beginning as well as the end for consumers, and where 100% of my focus and judgement are centered. Grenache, as Krankl would be the first to say, is by far the most challenging grape varietal to make majestic wine from, and unequaled in difficulty by any other grape in the world except Nebbiolo. That’s why we
The conclusions I came to about this tasting may seem obvious just by reading the tasting notes. People forget that as famous as Sine Qua Non and both Elaine and Manfred Krankl have become over the last 15 years, their wines really only began to hit full world-class qualitative levels at the turn of the last century (2000). The vineyard sources have largely changed from Alban, Stolpman, Bien Nacido, Shadow Canyon and White Hawk Vineyards to primarily estate vineyards Cumulus Vineyard in Ventura County and 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. In the future, Krankl’s newest vineyard in Alisos Canyon will be an additional component part. His meticulous craftsmanship and phenomenal attention to detail, both in the vineyard and in the winery, have been increasingly noticeable over the last decade. He seemed to hit full stride about eight or nine years ago, and what has unfolded since then is an absolutely brilliant succession of true works of genius, both in his expressive, sometimes slightly abstract artwork on the labels, to the meticulously crafted wood boxes in which the wines are housed. Of course, the most important thing of all, the actual wine itself, is both the beginning as well as the end for consumers, and where 100% of my focus and judgement are centered. Grenache, as Krankl would be the first to say, is by far the most challenging grape varietal to make majestic wine from, and unequaled in difficulty by any other grape in the world except Nebbiolo. That’s why we
97 The Wine Independent
The 2007 Pictures is composed of 87% Grenache, 11.5% Syrah, and 1.5% Viognier, mainly coming from the Krankls’ Eleven Confessions Vineyard (96%), with just 4% of the Syrah coming from Bien Nacido Vineyard. It was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, 43% new. Deep garnet in color, it’s a little subdued and broody upon opening. After a few minutes and lots of swirling, notes of plum pudding, fruit cake, and unsmoked cigars languorously emerge from the glass, followed by fragrant hints of rose oil and damp soil, with a touch of black truffles. The full-bodied palate delivers a solid structure of the firm, grainy tannins, and wonderful tension to frame the bold, muscular black fruits, finishing on a persistent floral note. 764 cases, 144 magnums, and 8 double magnums were made. — Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 4th September 2024
95 Vinous
(87% grenache, 11.5% syrah and 1.5% viognier) Deep, bright ruby. Wild aromas of black raspberry compote, mocha, Asian spices and incense. Expansive and deeply concentrated, with obvious sweetness to its very intense red fruit, floral and spicecake flavors. Shows real spine and outstanding finesse for a rich wine. Finishes vibrant and extremely long, with great spicy perfume. — Josh Raynolds, 1st November 2010
17 Jancis Robinson
88% Grenache, 10.5% Syrah, 1.5% Viognier. From Eleven Confessions. Mid crimson. Scented, almost floral cherry. Lifted and fragrant and delicate but intense. Intense herbal note of thyme and dried herbs. Even with all that alcohol and depth there's a finesse to the wines though the alcohol really does hit my head. Really fragrant on the mid palate and finish. The best of the Grenache wines and much more evident acidity. (JH) — Julia Harding, 11th October 2012
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Art and Fine Wine Collide
The wines of Sine Qua Non need little introduction. Mould breaking, iconoclastic, visionary are just some of the descriptors invoked when critics and wine lovers discuss this unique winery. Based in Ventura, north of LA, the wines of Sine Qua Non regularly notch up perfect scores from critics while the waiting list for a direct allocation is well over ten years.
Founded by Manfred and Elaine Krankl in the early 1990s, the duo swiftly gained attention from wine lovers and critics for their superb Rhône blend wines, quirky labels and uncompromising approach in the vineyard and cellar. The winery has experimented with producing Oregon Pinot Noir, dessert wines and an array of quirky single varietal reds and whites, but generally revert to producing the wines for which they are most famous - Grenache and Syrah. The wines are generally big and bold, but those who like things cranked up to eleven should look no further than Manfred's "extended barrel ageing" program.
