2013 Sine Qua Non Grenache Female
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Tasting notes
I’m getting down to my last few bottles of the 2013 Grenache Female, which has been incredibly consistent and satisfying over the past 5-7 years and just about impossible to resist. A blend of 78% Grenache, 19% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre that’s mostly from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it offers a beautiful, smile-inducing perfume of black raspberries, black cherries, spring flowers, camphor, and spice that develops additional complexity with time in the glass. Impeccably balanced, full-bodied, and opulent, yet also weightless and elegant, this is a thrilling example of Grenache that could come from no one else. Feel free to drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Huge tannins wrap around a core of voluptuous fruit in the 2013 Grenache Female. Dark-fleshed fruit, graphite, spices, savory herbs and lavender are some of the signatures. Today, the 2013 is quite imposing and shut down, so readers will have to be patient. The blend is 78% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 3% Mourvèdre, done with 88% whole clusters, which is high for Sine Qua Non. (AG) 96+
Showing similar to a previous bottle tasted in Colorado, the 2013 Grenache Female (78% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 3% Mourvedre) is more high toned and pretty than the 2014, with perfumed notes of black raspberries, licorice, herbes de Provence and violets. Similar on the palate to the 2014, yet perhaps with a touch more tannin, give this beauty a few years and drink it through 2033.
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.