Sine Qua Non
Le Chemin Vers L'Heresie Grenache
Red/black cherry, red/blue flowers, red apple skin, red plum, raspberry, red/black soil, red brick, slight barn, grippy as hell.
Red/black cherry, red/blue flowers, red apple skin, red plum, raspberry, red/black soil, red brick, slight barn, grippy as hell.
Oct 26th, 2023I had the ‘15 counterpart, the Syrah, about a year ago and was shocked at how accessible it was. This isn’t as open, but it’s not far off. The bottle was poured blind to a group of 5-7 of us. I called this 5yr old SQN Grenache. For my taste, nobody in the new world can do Grenache like Manfred. Seductively aromatic and spice driven, showing cracked black pepper, spicy rhubarb and red fruits with herbs de Provence. Lifted profile due to the use of whole cluster. Great acidity. The dominant notes of red fruits are highlighted by just a touch of blue and black fruits, with dark cocoa, potpourri and cherry jerky. A baby, but a glimpse at a monster in 5-7yrs. Thank you @Keith Fisher .
I had the ‘15 counterpart, the Syrah, about a year ago and was shocked at how accessible it was. This isn’t as open, but it’s not far off. The bottle was poured blind to a group of 5-7 of us. I called this 5yr old SQN Grenache. For my taste, nobody in the new world can do Grenache like Manfred. Seductively aromatic and spice driven, showing cracked black pepper, spicy rhubarb and red fruits with herbs de Provence. Lifted profile due to the use of whole cluster. Great acidity. The dominant notes of red fruits are highlighted by just a touch of blue and black fruits, with dark cocoa, potpourri and cherry jerky. A baby, but a glimpse at a monster in 5-7yrs. Thank you @Keith Fisher .
Oct 14th, 20192015 Vintage.15.5% Alcohol. Consistent with prior notes. Warming up for Gail’s BD.
2015 Vintage.15.5% Alcohol. Consistent with prior notes. Warming up for Gail’s BD.
Apr 26th, 20212015 Vintage. 15.5% Alcohol. One of the wines we didn’t get to during our 40th week. Monster of a Grenache. More aging cannot hurt, but so good now.
2015 Vintage. 15.5% Alcohol. One of the wines we didn’t get to during our 40th week. Monster of a Grenache. More aging cannot hurt, but so good now.
Jan 4th, 2020Ending our July 4th SQN fireworks was this wine which needs more time in bottle, but couldn’t resist. Same notes and rating as last Thanksgiving.
Ending our July 4th SQN fireworks was this wine which needs more time in bottle, but couldn’t resist. Same notes and rating as last Thanksgiving.
Jul 8th, 20192015 Vintage. 15.5% Alcohol. Another wow wine from SQN to end our Thanksgiving vacation spree.
2015 Vintage. 15.5% Alcohol. Another wow wine from SQN to end our Thanksgiving vacation spree.
Nov 26th, 20182015 Sine Qua Non "Le Chemin Vers L'Hérésie" California Grenache
(“the way to heresy”)
Manfred continues on with his French obsession, apparently fueled by his unrequited youthful passion for a Citroen 2VC. Slow and under-powered in its day (I think my lawnmower has more horsepower), but today rather chic. The wine Is a bit different from what we have come to expect from an SQN Grenache. It’s a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah. A whopping 44% whole clusters resulting in a nose that is simply astonishing! As with most Sine Qua Non wines, the fragrant bouquet just overwhelms me. Absolute killer aromas of violets, ripe black cherry and blackberry with notes of lavender, eucalyptus and menthol, that just explode from the glass and envelope your total consciousness. Hints of toasted marshmallow, vanilla, nutmeg and a touch of smokey bacon lurking in the background. Profound! Deep garnet/purple in the stem. Palate-coating and tooth-staining dark fruits along with cinnamon, rosemary and thyme. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated. The tannins are more velvety than I expected. But the texture is just pure silk, and I can’t emphasize that enough. Just satiny plush. Simply sublime. Lengthy, peppery finish. Usually, my SQN advice would be to wait and cellar, but if you have more than one, pull that cork! You will not be disappointed.
2015 Sine Qua Non "Le Chemin Vers L'Hérésie" California Grenache
(“the way to heresy”)
Manfred continues on with his French obsession, apparently fueled by his unrequited youthful passion for a Citroen 2VC. Slow and under-powered in its day (I think my lawnmower has more horsepower), but today rather chic. The wine Is a bit different from what we have come to expect from an SQN Grenache. It’s a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah. A whopping 44% whole clusters resulting in a nose that is simply astonishing! As with most Sine Qua Non wines, the fragrant bouquet just overwhelms me. Absolute killer aromas of violets, ripe black cherry and blackberry with notes of lavender, eucalyptus and menthol, that just explode from the glass and envelope your total consciousness. Hints of toasted marshmallow, vanilla, nutmeg and a touch of smokey bacon lurking in the background. Profound! Deep garnet/purple in the stem. Palate-coating and tooth-staining dark fruits along with cinnamon, rosemary and thyme. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated. The tannins are more velvety than I expected. But the texture is just pure silk, and I can’t emphasize that enough. Just satiny plush. Simply sublime. Lengthy, peppery finish. Usually, my SQN advice would be to wait and cellar, but if you have more than one, pull that cork! You will not be disappointed.