Sine Qua Non Stock California Syrah 2012

Cody Short

Decanted 6 hrs and slow-oxed in bottle another 8 hrs before serving. Some heat when I first opened and tanning were grippy. By the time we served this had completely transformed and was extremely open and smooth. It’s still to young but with time to open up these can drink great in their youth. Always a treat to drink a SQN.

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

I’m greatly aware of the love and hype for this wine. For me, it’s a nice wine but is overvalued. It’s velvety, ruby, rich and ripe. However, it’s alcohol level stings & burns the palate. I’ll never understand where the pleasure is in a burning palate. The nose has; deep currants, spice, some pepper, layered baking spices, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, savory meats, anise, black rich turned earth, lavender, lilacs and violets for days. All of the above, matches the palate along with; dry crushed rocks, dry herbs, black licorice, black fruit tea, black cherry cola, dry stems and gritty volcanic minerals. The long finish is; big rich, ripe, elegant, balanced, but has burning alcohol. It’s been well crafted for the most part but not worth the alcohol burn. For this reason and it’s high price point, it’s a seriously over valued wine. There are many other great Syrah’s on the market for less

Maayan Koschitzky

If you like the style,pretty impressive.

Elizabeth Kelso

Drinking this wine this young was sort of infanticide, but still, it's so well made and it's just one of a kind. Black fruit, black olive, savory herbs, tobacco ash, char and baking spice. Special stuff.

Shay A

This was my contribution for my local group’s “hurt locker” theme, where the goal is to bring a bottle that it hurts you to open. ‘67 Lafite, ‘78 Haut Brion, ‘91 Grange, ‘99 Grange, 06 Harlan, ‘12 Second Flight, ‘15 Screaming Eagle were some of the highlights. The beauty of this wine for me is that it was opened almost on the 4yr anniversary of my first SQN (2011 Dark Blossom Syrah). Ever since then, I’ve been chasing that profile. For me, this sports the most “hermitage-like” of the SQN Syrahs I’ve had. A balance between high toned dark fruits (ripe blackberries, dark currant) with herbal dusted plums and black cherries. On the palate it shows a really pretty smoked meat/bacon fat note that certain Cote Rotie wines can show, and stops short of being overblown in a svelte/restrained package. The meatiness/savoriness of this wine is balanced by wonderful acidity with floral/potpourri notes and a hint of richness. Don’t pick up much whole cluster usage, but certainly a lifted profile.

V M

Got this 2012 SQN the stock via room service at disney world. Thanks California grill for accommodating! When the kids go to sleep mom and dad having a well deserved treat!! Wow how this wine evolves with air. Big bold nearly overwhelming concentration that evolves into a beautiful bouquet of dark flowers with smokey bbq meat and white pepper. Awesome with air and prob needs another few years.

Shawn R

The nose, o' my...has this sweet blackberry liquor scent with loamy earth as a backdrop-fills the entire sinus cavity. On the sip you get this warm berry cobbler essence filled with smoke and bitter chocolate. A core of rich and structured fruit. Bold yet polished tannins. A finish that sails on for over a minute, Jennifer I started laughing about how long it is.

Jennifer Massolo

I know its a big deal but style is not my fav and too young.

Jeremiah Allen

Instant pleasure

Chris Morgan

Sommelier The Oceanaire Seafood Room

BLACK FRUIT MONSTER! Wow! Just a baby.