(includes 6% grenache and 3% viognier) Glass-staining purple. Highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, cassis, violet, truffle, graphite and cola, with a strong note of cracked pepper. Juicy, precise and shockingly delicate for a big boy (15.5% alcohol), with intense flavors of dark berry compote and candied violet. This has both weight, silkiness, and a strong, energizing core of minerality. Very suave on the back end, finishing with very suave tannins and superb lift.

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The 2008 Syrah B-20 is a cool, inward wine graced with layers of beautifully delineated, chiseled fruit. This is a distinctly mineral, precise style relative to the more outgoing 2009, but both are striking. Floral notes add lift as the finish turns explosive with a burst of dark fruit, tar, licorice and crushed rocks. This is one of the more understated wines readers are likely to come across from Sine Qua Non. It is gorgeous when given the time to open up. The B-20 is predominantly Syrah, with 6% Grenache and 2% Viognier. About half of the Grenache was fermented with whole clusters and the wine was aged in French oak (60% new) for 26 months. The vineyard sources are 52% Eleven Confessions, 18% Cumulus, 18% Bien Nacido and 12% White Hawk. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

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Fresh, rich and vibrant, with a medley of cranberry, spice, pepper, wild berry, blueberry and mineral notes. Full-bodied and supple in texture, ending with game meat and dried berry flavors supported by firm, spicy tannins.

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A big wine that needs some breathing time. It was a bit tight when we first opened. We use the slow oxygenation for about 20 hours. It opened up and became very impressive. Fruity, aromatic and dense with long finish. Excellent wine! I think it demands at least three hours of decanting.