Sine Qua Non
In The Abstract White Blend
California, USA
Sine Qua Non 2012 “In the Abstract” White Blend.
In honor of the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend at the Red Bull Ring, and a 98 degree day in Chicago, I thought I’d open a little something from my favorite Austrian winemaker. 35%Chardonnay 32%Roussanne 17%Viognier 16%Petite Manseng. Hailing from Bien Nacido, Cumulus and Eleven Confessions vineyard, it spent just under 19 months in 48% used barrels (1-4 years old), 27% new French oak and the balance in concrete eggs. Beautiful deep, translucent gold in the stem. On the nose, fresh-cut white flowers, apricots and peaches with carmel corn and a killer buttery brioche note that just makes me smile. HUGE, full-throttled palate of those aforementioned honeyed apricots and peaches with some mint and spice notes. Finishes with a lingering touch of toasty oak. Viscous, unctuous and oily texture from the Roussanne component. Big, bold, and decadent., yet elegant and classy. For me, this wine is all about the nose and mouth feel. Good Lord, I do love and treasure these SQN whites. To my palate, they evolve and improve every bit as much as Manfred’s reds. They’re in a class by themselves.
Sine Qua Non 2012 “In the Abstract” White Blend.
In honor of the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend at the Red Bull Ring, and a 98 degree day in Chicago, I thought I’d open a little something from my favorite Austrian winemaker. 35%Chardonnay 32%Roussanne 17%Viognier 16%Petite Manseng. Hailing from Bien Nacido, Cumulus and Eleven Confessions vineyard, it spent just under 19 months in 48% used barrels (1-4 years old), 27% new French oak and the balance in concrete eggs. Beautiful deep, translucent gold in the stem. On the nose, fresh-cut white flowers, apricots and peaches with carmel corn and a killer buttery brioche note that just makes me smile. HUGE, full-throttled palate of those aforementioned honeyed apricots and peaches with some mint and spice notes. Finishes with a lingering touch of toasty oak. Viscous, unctuous and oily texture from the Roussanne component. Big, bold, and decadent., yet elegant and classy. For me, this wine is all about the nose and mouth feel. Good Lord, I do love and treasure these SQN whites. To my palate, they evolve and improve every bit as much as Manfred’s reds. They’re in a class by themselves.
