2009 Sine Qua Non ‘This Is Not An Exit’ Grenache

WA 96 More open, upfront and sexy, the 2009 Grenache This is Not an Exit is comprised of 79% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 3% Viognier and 3% Roussanne that spent 31 months in roughly 35% new French oak. Showing overflowing richness, with notions of incense, spice cake, potpourri and creamy raspberry fruit, it is a full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent Grenache geared for drinking over the coming decade or so. Drink now-2023.

AG 95 The 2009 Grenache Estate “No Name as of Yet” possesses tremendous lift in its aromatics owing to the inclusion of 34% whole clusters. It is a remarkably polished wine that impresses for its overall balance and sense of harmony. Nothing is out of place, but the wine is impossibly young, as it had been bottled just prior to my visit. Mocha, espresso and rose petals meld together on the finish supported by a vibrant core of minerality. The 2009 is 79% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 3% Viognier and 3% Roussanne, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills. A portion of the Grenache was fermented using whole clusters. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.

ST 94 Bright violet color. Explosive, heady bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, potpourri and Asian spices, with a smoky overtone. Silky, incisive dark berry flavors show superb depth and provide outstanding palate coverage. This very sexy, energetic (I’d have guessed that it clocked in at about 14% alcohol) wine offers intense, spicy blackberry, blueberry and bitter chocolate flavors on the sweet, gently tannic finish.