9/3/2020 - csimm wrote:

2 of 2:

Specific tasting note aside, I offer a “short” epilogue sparked from this particular wine (well, short by my standards at least – so those who know me can bank on it being a stretched novella), as the Hated Hunter and some of the other comments here on Cellar Tracker caused me to ponder a bit about the SQN marvel – This is around the time I should just stop typing, but alas, here we go; so, proceed at your own risk:

For those wondering if the touting of all things SQN is worthy of the constant cult applause and if such broad acclaim actually translates into a product worth seeking out, my (emphasis on “my” and not “the”) simple answer is, “Yes.” (Some may stop reading now simply because their answer may be, “No,” or, “It depends,” or, “…But their prices keep going up!” or, “Allocation lists are for chumps.”). I certainly don’t fancy myself some blind cult follower who needs to have every goofy labeled wine from across the globe in my cellar just for the sake of collecting (for me, I drink my wine; so, ideally I only buy wine I actually like, not ones I think will gain me wine geek friends or I can flip for some pocket-lint-full of loose change). There’s nothing wrong with a cool factor or the pride in popping the cork on a rare wine in the company of friends and those who appreciate such things, but in the end, the product better deliver and just plain ‘ol taste good – otherwise, why bother?!

So then, like anything, I think it is important to keep contextual grounding when attempting to equitably gauge one’s personal desire in acquiring and coveting these wines (and you can insert any of the Harlan, Screaming Eagle, DRC, whatevers of the world that you consider some sort of trophy wine that you are willing and able to get your paws on – I get that total “worth” is entirely relative). Having been fortunate enough to sample much of Krankl’s creations since SQN’s inception (initially and primarily because of dear friends who have been gracious enough to share them with me – so full disclosure there), I’ve found that one thing is ever-present in these wines: Quality. There is an attention to detail that always seems to translate in the juice itself. We can debate the “worth” of the wine and question inflated QPR (cuz let’s be honest, prices can get wacky), or if there is an actual emotional response you did or didn’t have from the wine; these are often worthy and necessary discussions. But within the style and milieu of California domestic red Rhone, I’m hard-pressed to find much in competition with SQN, at least consistently. And yes, I know others will disagree and can spout their favorites that they believe are cheaper and deliver better for them personally. I know SQN has had misses in the past, so folks can reference those as well I suppose. And reasonably there are certainly those direct comparisons that make sense at the moment – Alban, Saxum, Andremily, and further north to Kongsgaard, Colgin, and a handful of others. Everyone has their favorites of course. “But wait, you left out Tynan.” “But wait, I like Lewis.” “But wait, you can’t talk about SQN without talking about Lato.” “But wait, haven’t you had XYZ Syrah? That blows the doors off any wine you’ve ever tried you over-extracted SQN fanboy!” Yes, I hear you…

Trends come and go oftentimes as much as one’s palate-preferences, and as quantifiers such as DTC release prices start to level-out with auction and secondary market prices and availability, “cult” interest can sometimes become watered down. But for me it’s like this… If it tastes great to you and you’re willing to cough-up the cash and internally validate your purchase by way of whatever about wine makes you smile, then it’s a win.

Some folks I know are constantly pissed-off about buying certain wines every year just to stay on an allocation list either because of some status symbolism or because they are waiting for some 100 point unicorn to pop that will somehow be better than the 98 point wine they don’t want to buy. That seems to me to be a tiresome effort full of chasing shadows (and relying too much on pro scoring – which is a WHOLE other topic). But I understand the pull to play the allocation game and recognizing that scarcity and pro reviews can conjointly drive the market. And if you’re buying SQN you’re likely not just your soccer mom or dad grocery store connoisseur picking up a bottle on your way home from work. You already know a little something about next-level collecting, or at least about what this all-consuming hobby can do to a person’s wine psyche and his or her pocketbook. So, I’m one person who likes SQN as a whole, not because they are SQN but because the wine is friggin good…to me.

As for the Hated Hunter, it’s exactly what one would expect from this house. If it’s not for you, you’re in luck! There are THOUSANDS of wineries out there to check out. Go forth and conquer! (And this is the moment where you ask yourself, “What in the heck was that rant? I’ll never get that five minutes [ten if you’re a slow reader] of my life back after reading this!”). Yes, my friend, you’re correct. Now let’s hope you at least had a decent stem in your fist while you were enduring the likes of my train wreck thoughts. Cheers! (…cuz “Cheers” is what you’re supposed to say when flipping up your salmon-colored Izod collar, giving the two-pistoled thumb and index finger salute, and sashaying off to the valet to grab your turquoise-striped Mini Cooper)…

12/5/2023 - fussyeater wrote:

Second bottle. As soon as cork is removed, once again I can see all kinds of detritus in the neck of the bottle, as if the wine has been eating and disintegrating the cork, which is all the more shocking on such a young wine. I had to decant this again as sediment everywhere, and crystals forming on the cork. I do wonder whether we would see such visible debris if it was instead stoppered with a natural cork or a Diam, although I would welcome the comments of anyone better informed. I do wonder if anyone else has to decant off visible debris?

Aside from that, it was very pure, crystalline, with a lovely texture and very decent (see my earlier CT note for more descriptors).

Not sure why some here have noted that Jim Marresh is trying to replicate Burgundy as Oregon can stand on its own two feet.

8/13/2023 - SchlaepDog Likes this wine:

Alcoholic nose on PNP. Very tannic at first, took a couple hours to loosen. Faded dusty cherry fruit, raisin, a bit of saddle leather. Seemed older than it should be for only 10 years and a decent vintage. Purchased recently from a private collection via K&L wines, 3rd wine in a row from them that the wine seemed poorly stored and past prime. Won’t be buying second hand wine through them anymore.

6/13/2023 - Eric wrote:

Utterly perfect cork. Long, dark dime on the bottom, not one iota of staining up the side. Perfect storage.

Somewhat disappointing. Heavy sediment. Lots of dried fruit, fig and raisin. No signs of oxidation but very mature overall. Was hoping for a lot more on this one as it aged.

11/4/2022 - dcwino wrote:

2022 Excellent Burgundy Adventure; 10/31/2022-11/6/2022 (Burgundy): Expressive nose displaying perfectly ripe sweet black fruit, blackberry, blackberry liqueur, black cherry, Vosne spice, light caramel, black truffle and dark spices. Excellent concentration, beautifully layered generous black fruit, silky and airy, exceptional finesse and balance, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long pure sweet black fruit driven finish. This is a classic Meo at its best.

6/28/2022 - Burgundy Al wrote:

UGC Bordeaux (Union Station - Chicago IL): Walk around tasting. Concentrated black fruit with enticing spice, this is so well balanced and nearly accessible now. Not quite as exciting/ vibrant/ interesting as Comtesse de Lalande, but close.

6/23/2022 - Vas19 wrote:

Very chocolately expression of beaujolais. Maybe a wine to try to convert a bordeaux drinker, although there isn't nearly the same structure and tannin. A well made wine but not really my style. I prefer Chermette's fleurie bottles.

3/24/2022 - NickA Likes this wine:

Chardonnays and Pinots of North London (Must & Lees): Three years ago I noted that this wine was too tropical in feel, and now my impression was that it was rather too lean! Very linear despite the dominant notes being icing sugar and cream as well as citrus. Classy stuff, but too severe for me to enjoy it particularly.

11/4/2021 - KenPlace Likes this wine:

Exceptional bottle. Fizz is almost gone, but the wine is phenomenal.

9/4/2021 - DWStyle Likes this wine:

I brought a 750 to dinner at 48 deg. And it was received and handed by the restaurant staff perfectly. The wine was supposedly young at this stage, though we found it nuanced and intriguing! Yes, structured but elegantly so. Relentless flavors follow every sip. We had to force ourselves to slow down and be in the moment, to be mindful as it tempts you to keep tasting again and again! Without a doubt it was the WOTN and for me the wine of the year, so far! Champagne wise!
This was no minor soirée as it was our fathers 91st birthday! Needless to say it was immensely enjoyed by the family and especially the guest of honor! Thank you Water Bar Restaurant S.F, CA - what an experience! Thank you.

2/18/2021 - mwiens wrote:

Corked. I could tell before opening because the closure was pushed up quite a bit.

7/5/2020 - ssouth Likes this wine:

2012 Sine Qua Non California Syrah. Alc 15.3%. Still dark in color. Intense nose woth some mint. Sweet ripe Syrah with some red licorice and strawberries and it is remarkably approachable. Moderate tannins. Probably as ready as any SQN that I’ve had

5/14/2020 - Frank Murray III wrote:

Blind Tasting via Zoom (Over Zoom): Tasted blind. This shows an advanced color that is bronzy/gold, and the aromatics also give off a nutty, toasted barrel aromatic. The wine is built around apple, some nuttiness, lemon oil and ripe cut mango. The finish oddly shows bright citrus, which juxtaposed with the wood notes, the goldish color and heavier texture, it just seems out of whack to me. For those who know me, I think Alpine Chard is top of the class in California--it's that damn good and is for me what world class Chard can do, what Rhys does so well, much like the 2017 that just arrived this week. But, I don't regret finishing my 2009 Chards back in 2017 when I thought they were ready then. Unless this bottle is an aberration for how it has aged, I'd suggest drinking these up as it's not going in the right direction at all.

2/28/2019 - Motz wrote:

During an evening of spectacular wines enjoyed with great friends, this stood above the rest. Beguiling from the outset, it stirred the senses with air. The wine features ethereal textures, riveting weight, and profound, inflection-changing range. An elixir to its core. In a word: Spellbinding. WOTN! 97-98.

12/16/2018 - Rieslingfan wrote:

First bottle from a case purchased for $14 a bottle on futures. It’s really hard to beat Lanessan from a value perspective, and the 2015 continues the string. Maybe it has a touch more oak than prior vintages, but it’s still a classic, close to old school Bordeaux. Moderate ripeness, solid tannins, and a fair touch of finishing austerity hit the mark for me.

11/18/2018 - Rieslingfan wrote:

Would it be uncool to say that this is my favorite Rhys wine? It’s not because it’s the best, but rather because it’s a fine example of the style, while showing more nuance and ultimately pleasure in an earlier drinking window. Fully integrated, red fruit dominated and showing just a hint of sneaky back end tannin, this is about as fun to drink as you can get. The balance indicates plenty of time to spare, but I have a hard time keeping my hands off of these.

10/16/2018 - twfwinedude Likes this wine:

I found this on closeout in a local store for $25. Beautiful Chardonnay with a bit more citrus and mineral than most white Burgundy. But it was a truly graceful wine, smooth on the palate, and with a long finish.

4/15/2014 - fredb wrote:

Medium gold color, deepens pretty quickly. Aromas of lemon, vanilla, spiced pear, and toasted nuts. Palate has spiced pear, apple, almond, vanilla, and some tart lemon on a medium finish. Holding, but time to drink for my tastes.

10/12/2016 - Goldstone Likes this wine:

Shoe Dinner with Tomasso Malani (The Library, Crown Wine Cellars, Hong Kong): (Magnum No. 507 sourced directly from the winery in 2005). Lightly transparent red cherry colour still full of brightness. Immediately lovely nose of soft, sweet wild woodland strawberries and with sweet-smelling new leather coming out with time. Palate is lovely acidic freshness that segues very fast into dry autumnal woodland bracken and dried strawberries. Light and feminine mouthfeel. A feminine wine and less resonant/reverberant than the 2002 vintage we drank alongside it. In mangnum format, this has a considerable life still ahead of it, which will take it into uncharted waters of longevity for Central Otago Pinot Noir. Everyone assumed this was a top-flight Burgundy. Great job, Rudi!

11/28/2013 - fredb Likes this wine:

Cork completely cemented to neck of bottle, so came out, center first with the worm, and then bit by bit with swearing. Filter-funneled into decanter. Moderate amount of fine sediment left in bottle. Dark red color, nearly opaque, but with some signs of transparency coming in. Aromas are of fig, sweet raisin, plum, cranberry, and cherry. Palate has medicinal cherry cough drop note initially with some sweet fig and dried cherry notes that migrate to blueberry and licorice with a sweet, long finish. This is still young, but totally enjoyable with a bit of decanting. The medicinal note did dissipate on day two and this was at peak for my tastes toward the end of the decanter on day three. Drink with decanting (12-24 hours?) or hold.

10/5/2013 - TheWinedown Likes this wine:

Pop and poured, but didn't seem to need a lot of air. Drank with deep dish pizza. The bottle had no vintage indication, strangely. QR code on the back label took me to a 2011 bottle info, but upon pulling the cork, discovered it was a 2009. Bonus!

NOSE: Cooked strawberries, violet petals, stone dust, very soft soft leather. PALATE: Medium-minus body, medium acidity, medium tannin (well integrated), strawberries, cooked down cherries. Almost no oak flavors noticeable. The tannins are the only thing that seem to give it away. Medium-long length. For $25, a great wine. Awesome with the pizza too, I might add. Buy.

6/10/2013 - fredb Likes this wine:

Medium hay yellow color. Aromas of lanolin, lemon, quince, honey, and a hint of almond. Palate has lemon, quince, honey, wool, and slightly nutty notes that carry into a crystallized ginger finish that is medium-long. Brilliant with a simple risotto, sauteed carrots, and trout amandine. Drink or hold.

4/20/2013 - rnellans wrote:

I like this better than BH notes. Darker than the 07 Sauzet BBM served alongside. Pineapple, citrus notes. No pox! Rich and lush, but still good acidity. Excellent structure with dry extract coating the palate.

11/25/2012 - missionpk Likes this wine:

Wow. Much bigger than I expected, but big fruit, not big alc or big tannins. Really tasty on its own, but could be a bit overwhelming to light food. Starting to understand why other RRV producers lather on the oak, as the fruit on its own is almost too much. (I had the same cork problems as previous tasters. This seems to be a "feature" of 2006 Rhys.)

11/20/2012 - Redteeth wrote:

This bottle was decanted and then we started to consume. The color was great (medium dark garnet with a touch of bricking) and the aroma was subtle. I meediately noticed just a slight scent of TCA as did the wine steward at the restaurant where I broought this wine.There was also a bit of TCA on the initial taste. Otherwise the taste was great showing mature but full fruit and Napa characteristics. We let the wine sit a bit and fortunately most of the TCA smelltaste dissapated. Over a couple of hours the wine continued to open up and improve. This is at least the second time I have picked up this TCA element in older Chateau Montelena Cab. I have a few bottles of this left i my cellar and I will either drinnk them soon or hold them purely as a science project.

10/4/2012 - Dubie wrote:

Magnum bottles of Krug NV are something special, aren't they? The bubbles are more concentrated, the acidity is something stronger, the wine is "tighter", a lot more in control. This was another such bottle. And the large format bottle just looks great!

4/8/2012 - sumshark wrote:

Very nice and open for business, nice fruit/cab profile. Great value for $85

4/3/2012 - KPB wrote:

Inky purple with only the very faintest hint of color change... Sweet and perfumed nose, showing rich plum fruit, tobacco, coffee, garrigue, creosote -- the whole Provencal smorgesborg of aromas. The wine is richly flavored with a sweet attack and substantial but soft tannins, good acidity, long finish. Perhaps a touch hot but you would never mistake this red for a vintage port! Quite successful (amazingly, really) for a so-so vintage.

4/3/2012 - rnellans wrote:

Popped and poured. A 'wow' nose from the get go. Sous bois, red fruit and secondary notes. On the palate, a wonderful wine. Lush, silk, soft tannins, spice, minerals, and with air it developted some smokey notes. Very seductive. Long on the palate with excellent cut, but not excessive that one might expect from the vintage.

10/23/2011 - locovino wrote:

This is pretty good CA Pinot Noir but as far as having the ability to age for the long term I'm not sure... Still seems like a very rich and blowsy CA Pinot to me. Poured into a decanter in the morning and given all day to open up. In the glass dark red/purple with amazing looking intensity. On the nose some French oak along with dark cherry, some slight gluey volatility and a very slight hint of green/dill which is nice. Looking for some minerals but don't find any. In the mouth this wine really shines. Super silky and round with nice acidity and smooth tannins. Good finish with maybe a bit of the slight volatility poking through which I don't think is a flaw at all but it is there. Have a few of these so let's see how they age. Rhys certainly has something going on with SC Mts. Pinot and Syrah but for my money, the Chardonnay is where its at. The Alpine Chardonnay is incredible wine...

P.S. Forgot to mention that the cork cracked in two when I opened this wine. I know Kevin has stated that Rhys has switched cork suppliers so this shouldn't be an issue with more recent vintages but be careful when pulling the corks on these. The seal is still perfect but for some reason the corks are very brittle.

9/30/2011 - Hodby wrote:

Corked. Though there's some concentrated fruit, chocolate and mint to experience beneath the sharp moldy note (probably TCA), the experience is not worth the effort. Aroma and palate feel is wretched. Resampled over three hours, with no improvement found. Makes me sad and angry, as we had looked forward to enjoying this bottle for almost 20 years. Bottle #1 of one.

8/15/2010 - Bunch wrote:

Restrained nose initially: Wild boar, caramel, a hint of celery, cool mint. But Wow, the palate is SUPER intense. Have never experienced anything the like. A tsunami of red berries, almost impossible to comprehend and deal with, sweet pain trickering spontaneous laughter. And all the elements on the palate are seamlessly balanced. Is this wine or a product from another planet? This is a completely new experience.

After 2 hours: notes sticking in all directions, e.g. strawberry, gooseberry, marzipan pie-crust, wild boar, autumn leaves, flowers. After 4 hours. The wine has found itself now and is showing it’s whole spectre of notes: Tons of bright fruit, sea shells, smoke, game, chocolate, mocha, Vosne-spices, black and red berries, flowers, candied citrus fruit peels, baked bread and cedar tree. The palate is so powerful and long, yet very elegant, and indeed, very inciting.

This is an extremely profound wine. When drinking this wine space, time and place are annulled and you enter into a state of redemption and infinite happiness. What more do we want?

12/10/2010 - M.Batard wrote:

Half bottles (375ml) discovered at 'Super Saver', and as it had been recommended by a 'favorite taster', I grabbed one. Medium ruby color, light bodied. Cherries and earthiness on the nose. Cherries and wild strawberries on the palate, with enough tannins still to make me believe this will be even better later. Persistent finish. Delicate enough to accompany smoked haddock kedgeree, but should have been against, say, pheasant. Makes me want to find the 'Laurene'....

9/11/2010 - Chateaunewf wrote:

Not flawed with brett like many others have experienced but way over the top in style. Massive dark red and blue fruits on the nose and a few alcoholic fumes too, The flavor is similar with not so subtle or graceful gops of dak fruit. High tones and almost undrinkable for my apate. I can't believe that this Alesia wine is produced from the same folks as Rhys. This provides negative pleasure in that I could not finish a sigle glass and it gave me a massive headache. Unfortunately, I have another 4 bottles of expensive cooking wine.

8/22/2010 - Scottlmatthews wrote:

Delicate and urethral-the way a great wine should be. Have to think about the nuances of the multiple dimensions- honey suckle flowers combined with lemon and lime nose give way to orange blossom mouth feel that reminds one of Florida in the Early summer. A clean and refreshing palate that entices more of the refreshing clean flavors of citrus and muted kiwi. This wine is past its time, but is enjoyable for what it is…

7/19/2010 - Hodby wrote:

Dark red. Nose of framboise, tar, pine, mushroom, TCA, paint can. Tangy, assertive acid in the mouth; volatile acidity is above the typical for this bottling. Flavors are jangled up, with the corkiness, mustiness and fruit fighting for the fore. Finishes long, but hot. Ouch, I hate to see this happen to fruit from such a great old vine planting. Bottle #5 of six.

3/10/2010 - Loren Sonkin wrote:

TN: I guess I prefer California Syrahs over the Rhone (and some other stuff): I keep hearing how well these age, but this is the second 02 I have had in the last year. The other, back in November showed even older than this. Both were showing some age though. Deep golden in color. The nose is waxy with lemons and some oxidation. On the palate, this is oily with a hint of sweetness. Also a hint of heat on the finish. Certainly seemed past prime for me. All that said, as an older wine, I enjoyed it. There was a nice robustness to it and certainly a good complexity.