Sine Qua Non
Ventriloquist Grenache Blend
Central Coast, California, USA
A Grenache that does not get enough credit. As far as age, it is ready now. Still very much alive with vibrant acidity and less tannin but not out of balance great color still. Good with pasta and meat.
A Grenache that does not get enough credit. As far as age, it is ready now. Still very much alive with vibrant acidity and less tannin but not out of balance great color still. Good with pasta and meat.
May 25th, 2014
This bottle was opened for a very special occasion as a friend was recently diagnosed with cancer and wanted to have a group get together to open great bottles before treatment impacts taste and smell. This friend has opened a lot of SQN over the years and I knew this bottle was meant for such a thing as this. Opened alongside 2016 Scarecrow Tot’s Opium Dream, 2001 Petrus (corked), mag of 2004 Cristal Rosé, 2016 Chimere, 1986 Haut Brion, 1998 Grange, 2013 Second Flight and more.
82 Grenache/ 18 Syrah/. Over half of the fruit was from Alban.
Cork was mostly soaked. Color was still deep ruby, though some fading around the rim is taking place (it’s 24yrs old, after all). Aromatics of stewed red and black berry fruits, liqueur, potpourri, black pepper and sweet tobacco. Still retaining great flavor and concentration on the palate, yet the fresh Grenache profile has faded…less spiced rhubarb and herbal than it is raspberry fig, ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and some chewing tobacco leaves toward the finish. The alcohol is warm but doesn’t stick out much. Good acidity and tannin but obviously on the downward trend (not made back then to hold this long!). However, trying these old SQNs is always a special treat.
If tasted blind, I think I would have called early ‘00s CdP.
93pts, but 100pts in my book due to the occasion.
This bottle was opened for a very special occasion as a friend was recently diagnosed with cancer and wanted to have a group get together to open great bottles before treatment impacts taste and smell. This friend has opened a lot of SQN over the years and I knew this bottle was meant for such a thing as this. Opened alongside 2016 Scarecrow Tot’s Opium Dream, 2001 Petrus (corked), mag of 2004 Cristal Rosé, 2016 Chimere, 1986 Haut Brion, 1998 Grange, 2013 Second Flight and more.
82 Grenache/ 18 Syrah/. Over half of the fruit was from Alban.
Cork was mostly soaked. Color was still deep ruby, though some fading around the rim is taking place (it’s 24yrs old, after all). Aromatics of stewed red and black berry fruits, liqueur, potpourri, black pepper and sweet tobacco. Still retaining great flavor and concentration on the palate, yet the fresh Grenache profile has faded…less spiced rhubarb and herbal than it is raspberry fig, ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and some chewing tobacco leaves toward the finish. The alcohol is warm but doesn’t stick out much. Good acidity and tannin but obviously on the downward trend (not made back then to hold this long!). However, trying these old SQNs is always a special treat.
If tasted blind, I think I would have called early ‘00s CdP.
93pts, but 100pts in my book due to the occasion.
2001. Un vin enorme. Frôle la perfection
2001. Un vin enorme. Frôle la perfection
Jul 14th, 2019
Wow this was magic. Decanted 1 hour. Was nervous but it drank stellar. Like a complex Chateauneuf!
Wow this was magic. Decanted 1 hour. Was nervous but it drank stellar. Like a complex Chateauneuf!
Oct 23rd, 2018
This one is fantastic!! Can't wait!!🍷🍷🍷🍷
This one is fantastic!! Can't wait!!🍷🍷🍷🍷
Jul 24th, 2016
