Sine Qua Non Labels Syrah 2007 1x75cl

98, Robert Parker

The recently released 2007 Syrah Labels (89% Syrah, 7% Grenache, and 4% Viognier) comes from the 11 Confessions Estate Vineyard (57%), a small amount from the home estate vineyard in Oak View called Cumulus, and the rest from purchased fruit grown in the White Hawk Vineyard in Los Alamos and the Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria. A sensational effort, it is performing even better out of bottle than it did from barrel. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, blueberries, blackberries, graphite, and subtle smoke. With great fruit, tremendous texture, and full-bodied power, it is locked and loaded. This cuvee should provide great drinking in addition to some provocative discussions over the next 10-15 years.

92, Wine Spectator

Fresh, intense, firm and vibrant, with a touch of suppleness midpalate, focused on spice, pepper, sour blackberry and wild berry, holding its focus and ending with drying tannins. Drink now through 2016.