2002 Sine Qua Non “Just For The Love Of It” Syrah. 15.2% Alcohol. So I have a confession to make. When this wine was released and Mr. Parker rated it 100 points (and correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this might have been the first Parker SQN 100 pointer), I couldn’t wait to pull the cork. And when I did, I was totally.......underwhelmed! I began questioning Parker. Questioning Manfred. Questioning my palate. What was I missing? What was my problem? Could I continue on in this world? Well, I never did reconcile things, and then “Papa” was released and all was right with the world again. So here we are, 15 years hence, and I’m here to report that Mr. Parker knew what he was talking about after all. We’re talking absolute perfection screaming from my Zalto stem. Notes of exotic flowers, toasty oak, anise and spice box on the nose. Just gorgeous. I could swirl and sniff all evening. On the palate, a predominance of sweet black currant, white pepper, blackberries and plum jam. Juicy, opulent, intense, pure. Stunning really. Endless finish. I haven’t tasted this wine in ten years because as I said, it never impressed me. But it just jumped up to co-number 1 SQN Syrah with me along with “Poker Face” and “The 17th Nail In My Cranium.” One addendum to Mr. Parker’s review which stated this wine would drink well for 10-15 years. This piece of art is just getting started! Remember, “...never for money.” — 7 years ago
Dark ruby with bold, intense juicy dark cherries, blackberries, plums, spice and oak on the nose. Medium body and medium tannins that give room to a nice acidity. Cherry pie, dark berry jam, tobacco, bayleaf and clove on the palate lead to a beautiful medium long finish with notes of caramel. Beautiful wine with complex notes that keeps evolving as it decants. — 3 years ago
#drinkcaliforniawines Love this wine and producer. Perfect blend of spice with sweet jam but neither are over the top. — 7 years ago
Fruity, light, drinakable — 3 years ago
A wonderful fragrance of dark berries, spice, jam and leather!
Drinks really well, with soft flavors of cherries, vanilla, spices, leather and some jamminess! Finishes smoothly with a bit of pepper on the palate. — 4 years ago
Really liked, not super sweet with mellow sweet taste. Very enjoyable. — 6 years ago
Liquid jam. Mouth coating beauty. Nose of violets covered in blueberry purée. Black raspberry, blueberry, quince paste, touch of dark chocolate, and spice. Incredible — 8 years ago
Per
A juicy Malbec with a splash of berry flavors, but not too sweet. Almost tastes like it was mixed with jam, but still light enough to compare to a Pinot.  — a year ago