Sine Qua Non - B 20 Syrah 2008
Price: $379.99
Producer | Sine Qua Non |
Country | California |
Region | California |
Varietal | Syrah |
Vintage | 2008 |
Sku | 16452 |
Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
"Very classy and suave, with a personality that grows on you, the 2008 Sine Qua Non Syrah B 20 is 92% Syrah, 6% Grenache, and 2% Viognier that was aged in 60% French oak for 26 months. Sporting a deep, opaque purple color, it slowly unwinds in the glass to shows layered, decadent aromas of blackberry, cassis style fruits that are intermixed with notions of underbrush, smoked meat, and chocolate. The purity, as well as the depth and focus are the defining traits here, and on the palate, the wine is on the lighter side of full-bodied and possesses a phenomenal texture that coats every part of the mouth, yet never seems heavy or cumbersome. Seamless, very pure, and perfectly balanced, this beauty is bliss now, but given the balance and overall harmony, should continue to shine for upwards of 12-15 years. Brilliant stuff and it excels more for its seamlessness and elegance more than sheer power. This didn't show at its best until the second day, so if drinking anytime soon, decant." - Tasted, 12/4/2011
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
"The 2008 Syrah B-20 is a cool, inward wine graced with layers of beautifully delineated, chiseled fruit. This is a distinctly mineral, precise style relative to the more outgoing 2009, but both are striking. Floral notes add lift as the finish turns explosive with a burst of dark fruit, tar, licorice and crushed rocks. This is one of the more understated wines readers are likely to come across from Sine Qua Non. It is gorgeous when given the time to open up. The B-20 is predominantly Syrah, with 6% Grenache and 2% Viognier. About half of the Grenache was fermented with whole clusters and the wine was aged in French oak (60% new) for 26 months. The vineyard sources are 52% Eleven Confessions, 18% Cumulus, 18% Bien Nacido and 12% White Hawk. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023."