$911
Sine Qua Non Raven #1 Grenache 2006 California "The 2006 Raven Series Grenache (a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah with 25% whole clusters used) comes largely from the 11 Confessions Vineyard with a tiny dollop of Bien Nacido Syrah added to the blend. Having spent 21 months in barrel, it is a prodigious effort, but is not quite at the level of the brilliant Naked Truth. Meaty, bouquet garni, licorice, and pepper notes as well as loads of black cherry and blackberry fruit are present in this beauty. Silky tannins along with good structure, density, and firmness suggest another year or two of aging will be beneficial. It should evolve for 10-15+ years. Passing through what looks like a junkyard (or the first or second level of hell) to get to the warehouse of both bodily and spiritual pleasures called Sine Qua Non, is a hoot and a howl, but well worth it if you can somehow wrangle an appointment with the reclusive proprietor, Manfred Krankl. Tasting here is one of the highlights of my year, and all my expectations were satisfied if not eclipsed by what Krankl has made in 2007 and 2006. Oh, and there is one utterly perfect late-released 2005. Yields in 2007 were exceptionally low, with the Syrah averaging 1.5 to 2 tons of fruit per acre, Grenache 1.3 tons per acre, and the white grapes 1.28 tons of fruit per acre. Put another way, Krankl's highest yields averaged a meager 1.05 to 1.55 pounds of fruit per vine. That in large part explains the compelling aromatics, textur Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-05-04
