Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Sine Qua Non
Label Name:
 
Eleven Confessions Estate Box Set
Vintage:
 
2015
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County (Central Coast), California
Volume:
 
6x 750ml
ABV:
 
16.2%
Grape(s):
 
Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Viognier
Method:
 
Estate-grown fruit from Eleven Confessions; significant whole-cluster fermentations (varies by cuvée), barrel selection; ~38 months in French oak (varying % new between cuvées); low yields, Rhône-style vinification.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated, opulent red blends: kirsch and blackberry core with smoked meat, truffle, anise and floral lift. Ultra-fine yet firm tannins, seamless texture and epic, mineral-driven finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto. Asian: Korean BBQ (galbi/bulgogi), char siu, Peking duck, Sichuan pepper beef, mapo tofu.
Vineyard Info:
 
Sine Qua Non (Manfred & Elaine Krankl) is a cult California producer. Eleven Confessions is their Sta. Rita Hills estate vineyard, planted in the early 2000s and farmed for low yields and intense concentration.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Box set contains 3×2015 “M” Syrah and 3×2015 “E” Grenache. Notable scores: 2015 Grenache ‘E’ — 100 pts (Wine Advocate), 100 pts (Vinous); 2015 Syrah ‘M’ — ~99 pts (Wine Advocate), high 90s from other critics