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Sine Qua Non Deux Grenouilles White Blend 2016
97 Points Limited new white release from cult producer Sine Qua Non. SQN 2016 "Deux Grenouilles" White now available. 94 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Deux Grenouilles White bursts with expressive aromas of apricot preserve, yellow plums, dried flowers, orange rind and Acacia honey. It's a deftly judged blend of 36% Roussanne, 29% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier, 9% Petite Manseng and 3% Muscat, and the exotic aromatic contributions of the Viognier and Muscat don't drown out the subtle expressions of the other varieties. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, fat and lavish, with considerable satiny texture, juicy acids and a sapid, even savory finish that I suspect reflects the Petite Manseng component. It's a rich and dramatic white that should drink well on release and could well be very interesting with time in the bottle. The Deux Grenouilles was produced entirely from estate fruit with the exception of Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyard, and it was vinified in 26% concrete eggs, 26% used barrels and 48% new oak."
Ratings on Delectable
Shay A 
Based on 36% Roussanne, 29% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier, and the balance Petite Manseng and Muscat. I waffled between thinking this was more accessible than the ‘15 white wine from SQN, and then thinking this needs a serious decant/few years tucked away. Lots of change happening in the glass. Floral in a sense of wild flowers and dried herbs, but definitely not soft or light. Chamomile as well. Very honeyed aromatics accompanied by sea salt. On the palate, just SQN’s typical mind blowing texture and continual reveal of so many flavors...butterscotch, waxy, savory popcorn kernel, grilled lemon tart and caramelized mango. It sports zippy acidity and is best enjoyed a tad warmer than cellar temp at this stage. Powerful. Hope I can revisit one of these a few years down the line.
Based on 36% Roussanne, 29% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier, and the balance Petite Manseng and Muscat. I waffled between thinking this was more accessible than the ‘15 white wine from SQN, and then thinking this needs a serious decant/few years tucked away. Lots of change happening in the glass. Floral in a sense of wild flowers and dried herbs, but definitely not soft or light. Chamomile as well. Very honeyed aromatics accompanied by sea salt. On the palate, just SQN’s typical mind blowing texture and continual reveal of so many flavors...butterscotch, waxy, savory popcorn kernel, grilled lemon tart and caramelized mango. It sports zippy acidity and is best enjoyed a tad warmer than cellar temp at this stage. Powerful. Hope I can revisit one of these a few years down the line.
9.4
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2016 vintage. Decanted, placed atop an ice bath and tasted after 2.5 hours in the 57-60 degree range. Ripe and packing depth. White Burgundy nose but that didn't translate into the flavor profile. Medium body. Demanding on the palate but delicious. 12.25.23.
2016 vintage. Decanted, placed atop an ice bath and tasted after 2.5 hours in the 57-60 degree range. Ripe and packing depth. White Burgundy nose but that didn't translate into the flavor profile. Medium body. Demanding on the palate but delicious. 12.25.23.
9.4
Norman Gennaro
Wow. Delicious but very different.
Wow. Delicious but very different.
9.5
Jim McCusker
A bit too oaky for my taste, but this is still a great chardonnay-driven blend from Manfred at SQN. Aromas are dominated by honeysuckle, vanilla, and lemon. Balanced (of course: it’s SQN), with a lingering finish. Definitely improved with time in the glass, which makes me think that it’s just too early to be drinking this one. Have one more of these in my cellar - going to let that one sit for a few years and see what happens.
A bit too oaky for my taste, but this is still a great chardonnay-driven blend from Manfred at SQN. Aromas are dominated by honeysuckle, vanilla, and lemon. Balanced (of course: it’s SQN), with a lingering finish. Definitely improved with time in the glass, which makes me think that it’s just too early to be drinking this one. Have one more of these in my cellar - going to let that one sit for a few years and see what happens.
9.5
Winton Sweum
Medium yellow; rich, floral nose with notes of the viognier; palate full and ripe, this is honeyed and luscious.
Medium yellow; rich, floral nose with notes of the viognier; palate full and ripe, this is honeyed and luscious.
9.4Jim McCusker
This is terrific, but could probably benefit from a couple of years in the cellar because I think there’s a lot more to this wine than is evident right now (so, it could go from awesome to...super awesome, I guess?). Totally a first-world review, I grant you: this is a great wine!
This is terrific, but could probably benefit from a couple of years in the cellar because I think there’s a lot more to this wine than is evident right now (so, it could go from awesome to...super awesome, I guess?). Totally a first-world review, I grant you: this is a great wine!
9.5
Berg
Better than many recent SQN whites I've had
Better than many recent SQN whites I've had
9.2
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