2013 Sine Qua Non Syrah Le Supplement Eleven Confessions Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just starting to evolve into beguiling earthy/meaty tertiary notes with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy bark, black soil, patchouli and salami over a core of blackberry compote, preserved plums, mincemeat pie and star anise with a touch of dried lavender. Rich, concentrated and decadent, the full-bodied, opulent palate explodes with black fruits preserves peppered by meaty/savory nuances and culminating in epically lingering exotic spice notes. 866 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Extended time in barrel has given the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement much of its dense, creamy feel. Dark, powerful and sumptuous in the glass, this is a wine of texture above all else. Floral and spice overtones from the whole clusters add appealing strands of aromatic lift. (AG)
I’ve had so many incredible Syrahs from this estate, it’s hard to tell if the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement will be the best yet, but it’s unquestionably one of the greatest Syrah made in California. Reminding me of the 2009 Côte Rôtie La Turque from Domaine Guigal with its smoky, meaty bouquet of crème de cassis, pencil lead, bacon fat, pepper, espresso and hints of violets, this drop dead gorgeous Syrah is full-bodied, opulent and sexy, yet also concentrated, structured and just hinting at its ultimate potential. I wouldn’t put this past being the greatest Syrah made in California – ever – yet like the Grenache, it needs short term cellaring. Bravo! I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist. The 2015 reds were all tasted as barrel samples, and these show the firm, structured style of the vintage and I suspect are going to require bottle age to show at their best. I’ve also included the “The Third Twin” releases here, and it, like the Next Of Kyn releases, are released under a separate label and focus on the estate The Third Twin vineyard located outside of Los Alamos.
Extended time in barrel has given the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement much of its dense, creamy feel. Dark, powerful and sumptuous in the glass, this is a wine of texture above all else. Floral and spice overtones from the whole clusters add appealing strands of aromatic lift. The 2013 is 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 28% whole clusters.
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.