2017 Sine Qua Non The Gorgeous Victim Grenache Sine Qua Non, Central Coast, California, USA
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Appellation | Central Coast |
| Producer | Sine Qua Non |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Type | Red (Dry) |
| Grape Variety | Grenache |
| ABV | 15.7% |
| Format | 6x75cl |
| Packaging | Non-Original Case |
| Duty Status | In Bond |
| 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) |
98 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (August 2020)
The 2017 Grenache The Gorgeous Victim (first tasted last year as a barrel sample and before it had been named) is composed of 76% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 9% Syrah, 3.8% Petit Sirah and 1.2% Viognier. The vineyard sources are: are 46% Cumulus Estate, 29% Eleven Confessions Estate, 6% Molly Aida Estate, 17% The Third Twin Estate and 2% Bien Nacido Vineyard. It was aged for around 23 months in 23% new French oak, 48% used oak (various sizes) and 29% concrete. Forty-six percent (mainly Grenache) was fermented using whole clusters. Deep garnet-purple in color, this wine has a very serious nose of game, fertile soil, crushed rocks and new leather over a wonderfully pure, well-defined core of crushed black cherries and ripe blackberries with wafts of unsmoked cigars and Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and built like a brick house, it has a solid backbone of firm, finely grained tannins and great acidity, finishing long and mineral laced. 1,212 cases and 600 magnums were made. "The Gorgeous Victim" features an old black and white photo on the label, taken by Manfred Krankl's grandfather, of a deer brought home, thoughtfully arranged and displayed with personal props in the middle of a floor. The name and, in fact, the style of the wine are intriguingly complementary to the picture, collectively creating a compelling story that I would defy drinkers to say is merely the power of suggestion. The companion 2017 Syrah to this Grenache is "The Hated Hunter"—a reference to Manfred's grandfather.
97 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (August 2020)
The 2017 Grenache The Gorgeous Victim is even better from bottle than it was from barrel. It needs quite a bit of time to be at its best, so decanting is required in order for the wine to unleash all of its profound beauty. The aromatics alone are breathtaking. Varietal Grenache notes build as this stunning wine shows off its remarkable pedigree. Inky red fruit, blood orange and sweet floral notes are all laced into the wonderfully deep finish. The 2017 is 76% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 9% Syrah, 3.8% Petite Sirah and 1.2% Viognier, vinified with 46% whole clusters, from Cumulus, The Third Twin Estate Vineyard, Eleven Confessions and Molly Aïda (all estate ranches, and just a dollop of fruit from Bien Nacido.
98+ Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (August 2020)
Tasted from bottle, the deeply hued 2017 Grenache The Gorgeous Victim checks in as 76% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 9% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier. This deep purple Grenache boasts a savory, almost bloody style that delivers full-bodied aromas and flavors of kirsch, blackberries, ground pepper, graphite, and iron. It has loads of depth, a stacked mid-palate, and enough tannins to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age. This sexy, perfumed, complex, singular beauty will drink beautifully for 20 years or more.