2022 Sine Qua Non - Grenache Eleven Confessions (750ml)
2022 Sine Qua Non Grenache Eleven Confessions (750ml)
From Manfred and Elaine Krankl, Sine Qua Non’s Eleven Confessions bottling captures the distinctive character of the Sta. Rita Hills project where this vineyard remains at the heart of the action. Each release is named, shaped, and labeled by hand, produced in tiny, rarely repeated lots that have helped define the label’s legendary reputation.
The Eleven Confessions Vineyard, planted in 2001 on heavy clay soils, sits among California’s coolest, latest-ripening sites. Harvest can stretch into November, and yields rarely exceed 1.5 tons per acre, concentrating flavor and aromatic intensity in every cluster. The 2022 Grenache is made almost entirely from fruit from this block and spent well over three years aging in French oak—an extended maturation reserved for the vineyard’s most special bottlings.
Appearance and aroma reflect its cool-climate origins: quite dark for a Grenache, with kirsch, sweet wild strawberry, and sandalwood layered over a leather and dried lavender backdrop. On the palate, the wine is broad and supple, expanding across the tongue with fine-grained, velvety tannins and a cool-toned sense of precision that carries through a long, focused finish.
- Vineyard & vintage details: Eleven Confessions Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills; 33 acres; cool climate; late ripening; harvest sometimes into November; yields rarely exceed 1.5 tons per acre.
- Vinification: Grenache-dominated bottling; 2022 made almost entirely from this fruit; aged over three years in French oak.
- Tasting profile: notably dark for a Grenache; kirsch, sweet wild strawberry, and sandalwood with a leather and dried lavender backdrop.
- Palate & texture: broad, supple, with fine-grained, velvety tannins and a precise, cool-toned lift.
- Food pairings: seared foie gras or a wild berry tart.