Maggie was once a student under Manfred Krankl, this bottle was her second vintage. Shows a restrained nose even after 3 hours after the decant. Hints of wild game and blackberry compote on the nose. Sweet tannins that integrate well and provide backbone. Layers of cassis, plum and wild flowers set up a stellar finish that sails for over a minute. — 8 years ago
Let breath for a couple hours and it was excellent. — 9 years ago
Gorgeous ruby, purple color. Knockout nose of cocoa, blackberries and cassis. On the palate, black currents, melted chocolate, espresso, graphite as well as an earthy quality. Supple tannins and a wonderful richness. This Harlan second label is probably better than most producer's primary. I don't drink much Cabernet as I've been driven from the market because of ever increasing costs (I only have room for a couple high end wines, and who in their right mind would ever say no to Mr Krankl?), but I always feel regretful whenever I open a great one and see what I'm missing. — 10 years ago
SQN wines are feasts for the senses. Floral overload here with notes of lilacs, lavender and yes, @Dag Zapatero, violets. Berries and kirsch and maybe some almonds? Beautifully textured, nuanced and seamless. Great structure. Just so damn well made. The craftsmanship here just blows me away. Me. Krankl is simply a genius. Terrific lengthy finish. Years to go on this one, but you won't be disappointed if you're inclined to pull the cork now. — 10 years ago

2012: With Michael Havens. — 11 years ago
michael Havens venture with morgan twain peterson from carneros fruit — 12 years ago
1999 Sine Qua Non “Ox” Pinot Noir from the wonderful Shea Vineyard in Yamhill County, Oregon. 14% alcohol. I’ve always loved the simple label on this gigantic bottle with the cavernous punt. And I was all ready to wax poetic about the romance of opening one of these older SQNs as, based on a couple of recent tastings, I was told that this bottle is well over the hill. Well, that just ain’t so. At least not with this bottle which has been lovingly stored since release. Now I’m not going to try and convince you that the “Ox” is at its peak, but the old girl still has some tricks up her sleeve. Crystal clear, bright, medium garnet appearance. A little bricky on the edges. Smokey notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, truffles and clove on the nose. Quite vibrant palate of sweet strawberries and cola as well as spice box with a hint of vanilla, toast and that clove. A touch earthy. Nice acidity. Super silky mouthfeel. Short, but decent smokey finish with a bite reminiscent of Sweet Tarts candy. Tangy! Extremely enjoyable! Well made is well made. Chapeau Mr. Krankl! — 8 years ago


2013 SQN "...And An Eight Track" Rose'. I look at these as Manfred's in your face, over the top, hedonistic homage to life wines. Throw all of your preconceived notions of what a Rose' should be right out the window. These wines celebrate life. No review today. Happy Memorial Day. Don't think. Enjoy. Recently, I've had a little back and forth with a non-SQN believer who shall remain nameless. You know the type. "I just don't get SQN" (And man, do I ever hate that phrase. Surprisingly, don't think I've ever heard "I just don't get DRC"). Anyway, I let it upset me more than it should have. To each his own. Drink what you love, but for my money, give me Mr Krankl anytime! — 9 years ago


Drink now--perfect blend of Syrah and cab, soft and fragrant . Won't keep long though no tannin. — 9 years ago
Happy New Year! Especially the drinkers @Bill Bender @David A Lentine @Christine Havens @Ron R @Paul Treadway @Stephanie Bolton @Eric French @Jordan Carey — 10 years ago


100/100. Again a perfect dead knock out from Krankl. — 11 years ago
2010 Havens Meritage Napa Valley Rutherford. NH Liquor store for $16.99 down from $26.99. — 12 years ago
2004 Sine Qua Non Covert Fingers Pinot Noir. 14.9% alcohol from the Santa Rita Hills Vineyard. Beautiful, youthful garnet hues with a seductive bouquet of dark fruits and freshly cut flowers on the nose. On the palate, sweet, ripe cherries predominate with notes of cinnamon and candied orange rind nicely balanced against a yeasty, freshly baked bread-like savoriness that blows me away. Texture in Spades. Wonderful acidity. Complex and perfectly balanced. My brother-in-law Joe said it best when he described the wine as ethereal. Wine of the weekend for me which is saying something since the weekend just started. Hate to sound like a broken record, but Manfred Krankl. Nuff said! — 8 years ago


Christine@Christine Havens on your recommendation. Thank you. Fabulous — 9 years ago
Dark violet in the glass. Soft, earthy aromas of soil, blueberries, and dark chocolate. Vanilla, a bit of menthol, and spice come to play, as well. Lighter than I saw coming, with a smoothness, despite the overall bigness of the wine. Chocolate cake, Newports, and cherry cola on the palate, with just a touch of dark soil there too. Nice acidity and a not so bad finish featuring vanilla and warm spices. The problem is, absolutely nothing about this screams "Oakville" to me. Not even a little bit. Just a pretty decent sub-$25 Napa Cab. No, not the $65 that WTSO claims, but $25. Overall, not a bad bottle just don't expect to be wowed. — 9 years ago
family juice — 10 years ago
Great deal at NH liquor store now — 10 years ago
Lots of funk, tobacco, background dark fruit. Love it! — 12 years ago
Rob LaHayne
Excellent, dry and affordable. Good for dinner party. Pairs well with steak. — 8 years ago