Just for the fun of it I did a Roadtrip to Chicago to hang out with the guys, play some golf and most importantly drink some SQN! 1185 miles each way and no speeding tickets.
2004 Into The Dark Grenache - absolutely the best showing to date of this wine. Really coming together nicely - delicious classic SQN Grenache. I’m not sure why this wine doesn’t get more attention, but this could turn out to be one of the greats!
2007 Pictures Grenache - finally showing some promise after a number of years where I thought it was pretty closed for business.
2005 17th Nail Syrah, another amazing showing. Still good, still needs more time
Not far behind it was it’s little brother 2005 Atlantis Syrah. Just a little more evolved than 17th Nail and drinking well right now after having the benefit of some air.
Wine of the weekend for me was an SQN I’d never had before - 2001 Rien Ne Va Plus, a 100% Roussanne. This wine was everything that my current favourites Hoodoo Man, Moment want to be when they grow up. Deliciously rich, hedonistic with an incredible balance. I wish this wine wasn’t so difficult to find because I would love to have this again soon.
This is a picture of one of the night’s lineups:
How was the beaucastel Roussanne?
Scott - I’m no expert on Beaucastel VV…I’ve had some younger ones and I’ve loved them, but this one tasted a little oxidised and frankly not nearly as tasty as the Rien Ne Va Plus. Maybe some others from the dinner will give their more experienced opinions
Ode to E didn’t make the TN cut?
Fantastic notes. Sounds like one hell of a trip.
Kris - Ode to E was just subdued and not as expressive as the other SQN’s - we popped and poured all the wines and Ode to E just wasn’t giving much away - it could’ve used at least a few hours of decanting time.
Great note!
This is my vicarious SQN experience!
Had the pleasure of joining Duncan on the Friday night for a few bottles of SQN. Been meaning to put up my notes:
2011 SQN “The Moment”: third time having this wine. Have to say it’s my favorite white release in a while. Each time I’ve had it it shows great potential while drinking really well now. Needs to be closer to room temp to show its stuff (need to buy more).
The we did 2007 SQN Labels Syrah alongside 2007 SQN Pictures Grenache. Agreee with Duncan that the Grenache was more open for business. The syrah has good stuffing but needs more time in the cellar.
Final red of the night was 2011 SQN Dark Blossom Syrah. Still very much an infant and has a dark brooding quality. Loads of layers of fruit…really fun to check in on this at early state. Many years ahead on this pup. It will be interesting to see how this develops relative to the Five Shooter.
To cap it all off 1999 Mr K DBS. This had a lovely burnt orange color with notes of bitter orange, spice and honeysuckle. A real treat to finish off the meal.
The Beaucastel is a favorite of mine, but it was clearly outclassed by the Rien Ne Va Plus. On another night i different company, it probably would have been delightful.