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Sine Qua Non Dirt Vernacular Grenache Blend 2016
98 points - limited Limited new wine from cult producer Sine Qua Non. 96 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Grenache Dirt Vernacular wafts from the glass with heady aromas of kirsch, plums and Griotte cherries that mingle with nuances of sweet spice, rose petals and pepper. It saw 34% new oak (along with 53% used oak and 9% concrete), but it's hardly noticeable—much less so than in some of Sine Qua Non's debut Grenache bottlings. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and chewy, with tangy acids despite its considerable power and ripeness, with a deep, layered mid-palate and a long, lusty finish. It's an eclectic blend of 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvèdre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 2.5% Petite Sirah that was fermented with 43% whole cluster—whole cluster being largely reserved for the Grenache component. The blend is dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications." "There are few greater success stories in wine than that of Sine Qua Non’s Manfred Krankl. Austrian-born and showing up penniless in Los Angeles in 1980, he went on to create one of the greatest wine estates in the world today by sheer talent and work ethic."
Ratings on Delectable
LM Segal 
Nose-on attack of baking chocolate and dark, black cherries. Rich and smooth, bordering opulent but not the least bit cloying. Hides 16% alcohol with stealth. Mouth coating fig, more chocolate and a minute-plus tail. Outrageously awesome. Suspect this will improve with more age.
Nose-on attack of baking chocolate and dark, black cherries. Rich and smooth, bordering opulent but not the least bit cloying. Hides 16% alcohol with stealth. Mouth coating fig, more chocolate and a minute-plus tail. Outrageously awesome. Suspect this will improve with more age.
9.8
Roman Sukley
2016 Sine Qua Non "Dirt Vernacular" California Grenache. The blend is 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvedre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 3.5% Petite Sirah, dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications. 16% alcohol. So for me, it all started with “Incognito.” Greatest Grenache I’d ever tasted. Simply stunning and still one of my favorites. How do you top that one? Well then “The Inaugural” showed up. Phenomenal!Then it’s “Ode To E.” Y’all know I absolutely LOVE that wine! Oh but wait, here comes “Trouver L'Arène.” Exquisite! And just in case you missed them all, now there’s tonight’s selection. And I’m pleased to report that the streak continues. As I’ve mentioned previously several times, Grenache is quite possibly the most difficult and finicky grape. But what really sets SQN apart is the final blend. Simply stated, Manfred is a genius when it comes to blending. If you have one, feel free to pull the cork as this wine is absolutely open for business. About a 3 hour decant at cellar temperature, the nose is, as usual with SQN, mind blowing. Cherries, plums, pepper, teriyaki, kirsch and a bouquet of roses. Full-bodied, ultra-rich, multi-layered palate-staining ripe black fruit smorgasbord. Tremendous depth and purity. What a finish! The parade of excellence marches on!
2016 Sine Qua Non "Dirt Vernacular" California Grenache. The blend is 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvedre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 3.5% Petite Sirah, dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications. 16% alcohol. So for me, it all started with “Incognito.” Greatest Grenache I’d ever tasted. Simply stunning and still one of my favorites. How do you top that one? Well then “The Inaugural” showed up. Phenomenal!Then it’s “Ode To E.” Y’all know I absolutely LOVE that wine! Oh but wait, here comes “Trouver L'Arène.” Exquisite! And just in case you missed them all, now there’s tonight’s selection. And I’m pleased to report that the streak continues. As I’ve mentioned previously several times, Grenache is quite possibly the most difficult and finicky grape. But what really sets SQN apart is the final blend. Simply stated, Manfred is a genius when it comes to blending. If you have one, feel free to pull the cork as this wine is absolutely open for business. About a 3 hour decant at cellar temperature, the nose is, as usual with SQN, mind blowing. Cherries, plums, pepper, teriyaki, kirsch and a bouquet of roses. Full-bodied, ultra-rich, multi-layered palate-staining ripe black fruit smorgasbord. Tremendous depth and purity. What a finish! The parade of excellence marches on!
10
Bill Bender
Very cool contribution from a local Hawkeye but I straight up couldn’t taste it. Palate fatigue x baby killing = no rating
Very cool contribution from a local Hawkeye but I straight up couldn’t taste it. Palate fatigue x baby killing = no rating
Andrew McIntyre
This wine is massive...will be honest and say it was too much for me. Even after 6-8 hours in the decanter this boomed out of the glass. Have decided that Grenache just simply isnt my grape. Low rating as this is an exceptional wine that just simply is not my taste
This wine is massive...will be honest and say it was too much for me. Even after 6-8 hours in the decanter this boomed out of the glass. Have decided that Grenache just simply isnt my grape. Low rating as this is an exceptional wine that just simply is not my taste
9.1
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2016 vintage. Decanted and tasted immediately. Bigg. Heavy body. Phenomenal and smooth but tight and leaning on you like a predator creditor. Came back to those after 8 hours lounging in the decanter. Now, medium-heavy body with more spices than Marco Polo ever dreamed of. The SQN wines, both white (better than the reds) and red, are eff you wines. They are ridiculous and defy norms, values and expectations. This has 30+ years of top-notch drinking. Great for lamb, turkey, wild game and…yah…boring beef. 12.25.24.
2016 vintage. Decanted and tasted immediately. Bigg. Heavy body. Phenomenal and smooth but tight and leaning on you like a predator creditor. Came back to those after 8 hours lounging in the decanter. Now, medium-heavy body with more spices than Marco Polo ever dreamed of. The SQN wines, both white (better than the reds) and red, are eff you wines. They are ridiculous and defy norms, values and expectations. This has 30+ years of top-notch drinking. Great for lamb, turkey, wild game and…yah…boring beef. 12.25.24.
9.6
Ray Vanderhoff
Blend of Grenache (78%), Mourvèdre (11.5%), Touriga National (7%) and Petite Sirah (3.5%). Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of kirsch, herbs and graphite. Black berry/currant flavors with notes of black pepper, those fresh herbs and graphite. Pleasant earthy flavor on the finish Full bodied and powerful but quite austere and elegant at the same time. Intense complexity and depth. Incredible!! Thanks for sharing, Petey P!,
Blend of Grenache (78%), Mourvèdre (11.5%), Touriga National (7%) and Petite Sirah (3.5%). Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of kirsch, herbs and graphite. Black berry/currant flavors with notes of black pepper, those fresh herbs and graphite. Pleasant earthy flavor on the finish Full bodied and powerful but quite austere and elegant at the same time. Intense complexity and depth. Incredible!! Thanks for sharing, Petey P!,
9.6
Adam Gäfvert
Rich and bold. Very potent aromatics. Orange peal, violets, maraschino cherries, black pepper. A meal on its own.
Rich and bold. Very potent aromatics. Orange peal, violets, maraschino cherries, black pepper. A meal on its own.
9.3
Paul T HB
Post steak & Bordeaux wine, so good if you’re into this juice. Only 16% Abv
Post steak & Bordeaux wine, so good if you’re into this juice. Only 16% Abv
9.9
Joseph Barsky
2016 Vintage. 16% Alcohol. No lighter style Grenache here. Can’t say more than @Roman Sukley other than first from our allocation and singing at this early age. Much more open than the 2016 SQN Rafael Syrah. This brought the fireworks! Happy July 4th 2020 all!
2016 Vintage. 16% Alcohol. No lighter style Grenache here. Can’t say more than @Roman Sukley other than first from our allocation and singing at this early age. Much more open than the 2016 SQN Rafael Syrah. This brought the fireworks! Happy July 4th 2020 all!
10
Jim McCusker
Absolutely brilliant. Happy New Year everyone!
Absolutely brilliant. Happy New Year everyone!
9.7
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