SINE QUA NON Touche Estate Syrah 'Eleven Confessions Vineyard' - Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara 2012 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Sine Qua Non Touche Estate Syrah 'Eleven Confessions' 2012 is a sought-after wine that exemplifies the artistry of California's acclaimed cult winery. Founded by Manfred and Elaine Krankl in 1994, Sine Qua Non produces limited quantities of wines from Rhône Valley varieties, highlighting the region's unique terroir. This Syrah is a rich blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah, and 2% Viognier, aged for 40 months in 78% new French oak. In the glass, it exhibits a dark, inky colour and aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, complemented by hints of black pepper and spiced oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, offering complex layers and a long, elegant finish, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Sine Qua Non Touche Estate Syrah 'Eleven Confessions' 2012 is a remarkable and sought-after wine that exemplifies the artistry and innovation of one of California's most revered cult wineries. Founded by the talented duo Manfred and Elaine Krankl in 1994, Sine Qua Non has built a reputation for producing exceptionally limited quantities of wines, primarily from Rhône Valley varieties, that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

The 2012 Touche Estate Syrah is a testament to the winery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This Syrah is deeply expressive, characterised by its luscious fruit profile and complex layers. Created in a vintage that highlighted the winery’s focus on meticulously selecting and handcrafting each wine, it delivers an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.

In the glass, Touche Estate Syrah presents a dark, inky colour that hints at the intensity and richness that follows. The aromatic profile is inviting, enveloping the senses with heady notes of ripe blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, alongside subtle hints of black pepper, floral undertones, and spiced oak. This complexity sets the foundation for an exciting tasting journey.

On the palate, the wine reveals itself as full-bodied and velvety, showcasing a harmonious balance between rich fruit flavours and structured tannins. The Syrah's innate spiciness complements the dark fruit character perfectly, while nuanced notes of chocolate and leather emerge, adding depth and sophistication.

The finish is long, lingering, and multi-layered, leaving a warm impression that encapsulates the wine's elegance and craftsmanship. Sine Qua Non Touche Estate Syrah 'Eleven Confessions' 2012 is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, as it will continue to evolve and develop over the years.

Whether savoured on its own or paired with rich dishes such as grilled meats or hearty stews, this exceptional Syrah stands out as a testament to Sine Qua Non's legacy in the world of fine wine, providing an unforgettable experience with each sip.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 100 points
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
Drink Date: 2020 - 2040
Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touché is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions.
Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: June 2016

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ABOUT SINE QUA NON
Sine Qua Non (SQN) is a highly esteemed winery located in the Santa Barbara County, California, specifically in the innovative and dynamic wine region of the Central Coast. Founded in 1994 by winemakers Manfred Krankl and Elaine Krankl, Sine Qua Non is renowned for its artisanal approach to winemaking and its focus on producing small quantities of exceptional Rhône-style wines.

The name "Sine Qua Non," which translates to "without which, nothing," reflects the winery’s philosophy and commitment to quality. Sine Qua Non is particularly celebrated for its distinctive blends, which showcase a range of grape varieties, including Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, among others. The winery’s offerings are known for their complexity, depth, and unique expressions, often resulting from meticulous vineyard management and innovative fermentation techniques.

Sine Qua Non adopts a minimal intervention approach in the winery, allowing the natural character of the grapes and the terroir to shine through in each bottling. The wines are crafted with a vision of balance and artistry, garnering acclaim from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. The limited production and distinctive label designs have created a fervent following, with many of their releases selling out quickly.

In addition to its red blends, Sine Qua Non produces a range of white wines, offering a unique perspective on Rhône varietals in California. The wines typically exhibit bold fruit flavours, vibrant acidity, and the ability to age gracefully, making them highly sought after in the fine wine market.

Due to its exclusivity, unique expression, and the passion behind each bottle, Sine Qua Non has established itself as a cult winery, earning a revered status among collectors and connoisseurs. The Krankls’ unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation continues to push the boundaries of winemaking, solidifying Sine Qua Non’s reputation as one of the standout producers in the world of fine wine.