2004 Sine Qua Non Into the Dark Grenache/Syrah
Condition:
No one ... let me say that again ... no one in the New World makes better Grenache than Manfred Krankl. Tasting four different cuvees was the equivalent of having a great chef, such as Daniel Boulud, cook all your meals for seven straight days. The just released 2004 Into the Dark (a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and 1% Viognier, primarily from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard) is a knock-out effort. Its inky/blue/purple color is followed by a big, sweet nose of black currants, black cherries, chocolate, spice box, and some toasty oak in the background. Voluptuously-textured and full-bodied with abundant glycerin and fruit hiding the wine's considerable underlying structure, this is a majestic Grenache that should hit its peak in 2-3 years, and last for 12-15. RP96
WA96