2008 Sine Qua Non The Duel Assortment Sine Qua Non, Sta. Rita Hills, California, USA
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Producer | Sine Qua Non |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Type | Red (Dry) |
| Grape Variety | Syrah, Grenache |
| ABV | 15.7% |
| Format | 2x150cl |
| Packaging | Original Wood Case |
| Duty Status | In Bond |
| Notes | 1 magnum each of The Duel Syrah and The Duel Grenache |
| Provenance | Purchased by Liquid Assets from a US-based merchant; directly imported into the UK by Liquid Assets; securely stored in a climate-controlled bonded facility |
| Stock | 3 cases (in stock and available immediately) |
99 Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate (August 2013)
The Duel Syrah: A prodigious effort that possesses overflowing richness and depth, the 2008 Syrah The Duel (88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard) delivers an off-the-hook drinking experience with decadent cassis, blackberry, smoked meats, crushed flowers and hints of spice all soaring from the glass. A full-bodied, unctuous Syrah that stays fresh and elegant, with vibrant acidity, it needs a solid decant if drinking anytime soon and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink now-2028.
97 Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate (August 2012)
The Duel Grenache: Sine Qua Non’s 2008 Grenache Estate The Duel boasts extraordinary richness, power and sheer depth. Tobacco, leather, mint and spices are woven together in this large-scaled Grenache. There is plenty of intensity here, but the 2008 has just a touch less aromatic definition than the very finest wines at Sine Qua Non. I imagine some of that may be the result of extended aging in oak. The 2008 is 82% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 2% Viognier and 1% Roussanne, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills. A portion of the Grenache was fermented using whole clusters. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.
96 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (January 2015)
The Duel Syrah: The 2008 Syrah The Duel, from Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is also impossibly young, with little in the way of flavor development. I typically enjoy the Sine Qua Non reds either upon release or around age ten, so I probably should have followed my own advice. The 2008 is beautiful, but it will clearly be even better in another few years’ time. This is one of the most reticent bottles of the 2008 I have tasted.
95 Josh Raynolds, Vinous (November 2012)
The Duel Grenache: (82% grenache, 14% syrah, 2% viognier and 2% roussanne all from the Eleven Confessions vineyard; fermented with 32% whole clusters; 15% new oak and 15.8% alcohol): Opaque purple. Blackberry, blueberry, incense and potpourri on the heady, powerfully scented nose. Offers a wild array of dark fruit and floral flavors, with intense spiciness and a lush, velvety texture. This wine completely stains the palate yet comes off as shockingly lithe, with the sweet, spicy finish featuring fully absorbed tannins.
98 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (December 2012)
The Duel Grenache: A thrilling Grenache that has an almost Janasse Vieille Vignes like aromatic profile, the 2008 Sine Qua Non Grenache The Duel is a blend of 82% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 2% Viognier, and 2% Roussanne, all from the estate’s Eleven Confessions vineyard, that was fermented with 32% whole cluster and aged in a scant 15% new French oak. Incredibly pure and energetic, it displays knockout aromas of crisp red and black berry fruit, licorice, roasted meats, crushed flowers, and sappy underbrush to go with saturating, liquid mineral like quality that permeates both the aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very rich, it nevertheless stays gorgeously focused and detailed on the palate, with a silky texture riding over firm underlying tannin and notable acidity. This serious, age-worthy 2008 needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and will age effortlessly for 15-20 years.