2016 Sine Qua Non Syrah Rätsel 16
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Tasting Notes
A dark, beguiling beauty, the 2016 Syrah Ratsel 16 is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Layers of flavor build effortlessly as this rich, layered Syrah shows off its considerable allure. Blackberry jam, lavender, spice, menthol, chocolate and licorice build into the sumptuous finish. This is another wine in the range that is bursting at the seams with energy and vibrancy, as if expressing the purest essence of life. I loved it.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Made exclusively from estate-grown fruit, the 2016 Syrah Ratsel 16 is composed of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, 2.5% Grenache and 4.5% Viognier that was fermented with 47% whole cluster. The vineyard sources are 47% Eleven Confessions, 38% The Third Twin, 13% Cumulus and 2% Molly Aida. It was aged for around 23 months in French oak, 47% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, this Syrah from the relatively effortless, beautifully harmonious 2016 vintage comes blasting from the glass with notions of baked plums, black cherries, blackberry compote, licorice, spice cake and mocha plus sparks of cedar chest, lilacs, menthol and pencil lead. Big, full-bodied and opulently fruited, the mouth is completely coated with firm, unabashedly super plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with bags of bright fruit and fantastic energy. If a wine can be electric, this is off the charts high-voltage! 1,791 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.