The Duel Syrah 2008 Sine Qua Non

Classificatie	Cru Classe
Wijnsoort	Rood
Producent	Sine Qua Non
Jaar	2008
Land	Verenigde Staten
Streek	Napa Valley
Druif	Syrah/Shiraz
Inhoud	0,75
Conditie	Uit originele houten kist
Etiket	Perfect
Voorraad	0

Professionele reviews

Robert Parker (97)

It is fascinating to taste the 2008 Syrah Estate The Duel next to the Grenache The Duel. Endless layers of seamless fruit are woven together in this utterly impeccable, full-bodied wine. The 2008 boasts dazzling richness and sheer power. It is pretty clear that in 2008 the Syrah did better than the Grenache with extended time in barrel. Violets, mint, tar and licorice flesh out on the huge, explosive finish. It will be interesting to see how the 2008 develops. Today, it is pretty special. The 2008 is 88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard. A small portion of the Syrah was vinified with whole clusters. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

Manfred Krankl calls 2011 the most consistently cold year he has ever seen from start to finish, although he adds that every year since 2008 has been cooler than normal. Unlike 2010, there were no heat spikes or even hot days in 2011. A bit of frost in April reduced tiny yields even more, but in retrospect that was a saving grace, as a full crop might never have ripened under the conditions of the year. Vintage 2010 was marked by a late frost that mostly affected Grenache by reducing yields. The rest of the vintage saw quite a bit of rain along with heat spikes during the summer, which produced big, bold wines. Krankl describes 2009 as a vintage that was shaping up to be great, until the rains arrived at the end of the growing season. With one exception, the 2009s are just as sexy and silky as they were last year. Unfortunately, the 2009 Syrah Estate No Name as of Yet was in no mood to be evaluated, so I will have to wait for another opportunity to taste it. In addition to these wines, I also tasted about a dozen library wines that reconfirmed my opinion, stated last year, that the Sine Qua Non wines have gained in elegance and refinement with the gradual move towards estate-owned vineyards. Sine Qua Non fans will find a lot to get excited about with these current and upcoming releases. I also urge readers to check out Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s newest project, Next of Kyn, also reviewed in these pages, and Sine Qua Non’s new website, which gives consumers a rare look at one of this country’s most compelling estates.

Winespectator (94)

Pure, rich and deeply flavored, this is centered around ripe, restrained plum and blueberry flavors, with touches of spice, cedar, tobacco and crushed rock. Ends with a subtle, detailed aftertaste.

BOW (8.75)