2022 Sine Qua Non -Syrah Eleven Confessions MAGNUM (1.5L)
From California’s Rhône Ranger stalwart, Sine Qua Non, the 2022 Eleven Confessions Syrah arrives in a Magnum (1.5L), a format that elevates the wine’s expressive depth and makes it a striking centerpiece for special occasions. The label’s hallmark artistry—the tiny production runs, each vintage named with a hand-drawn label and a distinctive bottle shape—remains at the heart of this debut the Krankls have crafted since 1994. Nearly all of the fruit comes from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, a 33-acre estate in Sta. Rita Hills, perched in a surprisingly warm pocket where heavy clay and gravelly soils keep vine vigor in check and yields under 1.5 tons per acre.
The 2022 growing season started mild, but September brought a record heat wave. The Krankls allowed the fruit to hang deeper into a cool autumn, capturing ripeness without surrendering acidity. The resulting wine is built primarily from estate fruit with small contributions from other Rhône varieties, and it spent just over two years in French oak before bottling.
Tasting notes
The wine opens with cassis, cocoa, and floral incense, underscored by smoky meat and spice. On the palate, you’ll find a powerful yet finely balanced profile that layers dark fruit and pepper over velvety tannins and bright acidity. The finish carries a lingering, savory echo of the wine’s spice-driven backbone and a crisp, mineral brightness that keeps the palate engaged.
Wine details
- Grape composition: Syrah with small amounts of other Rhône varieties
- Origin: Eleven Confessions Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, California
- Vineyard yields: under 1.5 tons per acre
- Aging: over two years in French oak
- Format: Magnum (1.5L)
- Suggested pairings: venison or aged sheep’s cheese
Why this bottle stands out
- Scarcity meets artistry: a true SQN hallmark where every vintage has its own name, bottle shape, and hand-drawn label
- Estate-forward character with deliberate use of late-harvest ripeness to maintain freshness and structure
- Integrated oak influence that complements, rather than dominates, the wine’s dark fruit, spice, and pepper notes
- Magnum format amplifies cellaring potential and is ideal for celebratory moments or decanting for a special dinner