This original wooden case holds the 2019 Eleven Confessions wines from Sine Qua Non: three bottles of Syrah and three of Grenache, both grown entirely on the Krankls' estate vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. Both wines were given close to three and a half years in barrel.
About This Wine
The 2019 Syrah is 82% Syrah with 13.1% Grenache, 3.3% Petite Sirah and 0.8% each of Viognier and Gelber Muskateller. It was fermented with 13% whole clusters and aged around 39 months in French oak, 66% new; 968 cases were made. The Grenache is 89.4% Grenache with 5.5% Syrah, 4.1% Petite Sirah and 1% Gelber Muskateller, made with 35% whole clusters and aged about 39 months, mostly in demi-muids, 50% new; 922 cases were made. Jeb Dunnuck gave the Grenache 100 points and the Syrah 99, with 99 from the Wine Advocate for the Syrah.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Syrah: cassis, tar, cured meat and violet. Grenache: cherry pie, wild berries, liquorice, sandalwood and pepper.
- Palate: Both are full-bodied and velvety. The Syrah is dense yet fresh; the Grenache opulent, with a deep middle and fine tannin.
- Finish: Long in both cases, the Syrah closing on violets, the Grenache on spice and red fruit.
Serving & Food
Decant each wine for an hour or two and serve at 16 to 18°C in large glasses. Both are drinking now and should continue for 15 to 20 years. Pour them together with rack of lamb, grilled wagyu, or braised short rib with star anise.
How to Enjoy
A side-by-side tasting of estate Syrah and Grenache, and cellaring in the original case.
Product Details
Producer: Sine Qua Non
Country: USA
Region: Central Coast, California
Vineyard: Eleven Confessions, Sta. Rita Hills
Vintage: 2019
Contents: 3 x Syrah, 3 x Grenache
Élevage: About 39 months, French oak
Format: 6 x 750mL, original wooden case
About the Winery
Eleven Confessions is the Krankls' vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, in the cool, ocean-influenced west of Santa Barbara County. It was planted in 2001, mostly to Syrah and Grenache with a little Roussanne and Viognier.
The soils are mainly heavy clay, and yields are kept very low, often 1.5 tons per acre or less, with some blocks not picked until November. Manfred Krankl has said the site gives wines with a lot of structure and presence. In the years when it is ready, it is bottled on its own under the Eleven Confessions name.