TN: 2011 Sine Qua Non Grenache Dark Blossom (USA, California, Central Coast)

[B_Buzzini]

• 2011 Sine Qua Non Grenache Dark Blossom - USA, California, Central Coast (8/7/2014)
  Of course I needed something to drink while reading the current mailer! I could have sworn I’ve had this, as well as the Syrah before….but to my surprise, this is my first Dark Blossom? A blend of 75% Grenache, 12.5% Syrah, 11.5% Mourvedre and a splash of Roussanne (aged 22 months mostly in neutral oak)……very dark saturated black cherry color….enticing nose of liqueured berries, licorice, white pepper, graphite powder. Classic sqn silky smoothness….ripe but not too sweet wild berry medley, creme de cassis……very tasty array of licorice, white pepper, dried raspberry covered in dark chocolate……has a really nice dryness to the wine…as well as pretty violet florals, little smoke, and exotic spices. Well balanced to a more delicate feminine style imo….not in your face, but still full bodied……a SQN Les Amoureuses(gasp!!)! I really like this one! (95 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

[Ed_Gonzales]

you bitch

[ericskitei]

Great review. I’m anxious to open one of mine, but I think I would feel like a baby killer if I did.

[rick_m]

thanks for the note…very tempting to open one soon

[Mark_Christenson]

@ericskitei

Great review. I’m anxious to open one of mine, but I think I would feel like a baby killer if I did.

I’m opening one tonight, and I confess it’ll be the third Dark Blossom Grenache I’ve opened. Despite the difficulties that were generally expressed by vintners all over California for 2011, this is a really great wine, even young, and I cannot (obviously) seem to keep my hands off of it. That said, as good as it is now, I’m sure it’ll be even better in 6-10 years–hopefully I can hang on to some to find out

[Kris_Patten]

@Mark Christenson

@ericskitei

Great review. I’m anxious to open one of mine, but I think I would feel like a baby killer if I did.

I’m opening one tonight, and I confess it’ll be the third Dark Blossom Grenache I’ve opened. Despite the difficulties that were generally expressed by vintners all over California for 2011, this is a really great wine, even young, and I cannot (obviously) seem to keep my hands off of it. That said, as good as it is now, I’m sure it’ll be even better in 6-10 years–hopefully I can hang on to some to find out

Not hard to open three when you get 12!!

[Mark_Christenson]

I’d give it 12 hours of decant time. And you’re right, KP

[Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e]

I gave the bottle 2 hours last night and I’m guessing that was not enough. Reticent nose of ink and smoke, wine was dense and tasty but the finish was clipped. 15.7% EtOH barely noticeable so that is one positive. I’m not sure I have another bottle but we have definitely have enjoyed other vintages of the SQN Grenache more.

[larry_schaffer]

Question for the SQN faithful - have any of these grenaches ever been closer to 100% grenache? And what do you think the other grapes used add to the finished wine? Curious . . .

Cheers.

[J_a_y_H_a_c_k]

We had the 2011 Syrah Dark Blossom on Monday at the monthly LBTG dinner, in a flight of two with the 2012 Syrah Stock. Elaine Krankel recommended a two hour decant and that we serve slightly cold at roughly cellar temperature. I decanted for about three hours because I mis-judged how long the dinner would take and started the decant too early, but I thought at least three hours was fine. Outstanding wine and even some of our light-palate friends liked it.

[Jim_Clary]

Great notes. Thanks, Buzz. Keep opening your wines and reporting on them. I think we have duplicate cellars and I am always a fan.