Sine Qua Non Dark Blossom 2011

The 2011 Sine Qua Non Syrah Dark Blossom performed better in the bottle than it did in the barrel. This gem was fermented with 17 percent entire clusters and matured in equal parts new and used French wood. It’s a blend of 84 percent Syrah, 8 percent Grenache, 4 percent Petite Sirah, and the balance Roussanne and Petite Manseng. It’s a full-bodied, rich, and layered Syrah with amazing aromatics of blackcurrants, Peking duck, pepper, licorice, and charcuterie in its smooth, thrillingly pure profile, making it one of the vintage’s standout achievements. The tannins are present, but they’re sweet, refined, and have no rough edges, as they are in Manfred’s other 2011s.