SINE QUA NON

2014 Testa Dei Cherubini Estate Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard | Ventura, California 750 ml

"Head of the Cherubs". The wine is a love potion made up of 80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah (yep, we are that precise), 4% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier. Some 52% of the fruit was destemmed (all Grenache) and the rest was fermented as whole clusters. As is typical, we fermented in relatively small, open top vessels with manual punch downs and pump overs. After pressing, the wine was raised for 38 and a half months in 25% new and 75% used oak. Only 45% were barriques, the rest larger formats. The wine was not fined or filtered and is as natural a wine as you are likely to find. This Cherub is a cupid for sure...and a big juicy one at that.
| Manfred Krankl for SQN Wines

...Layers of black raspberry, cassis, white chocolate, white flowers, and Asian spices flow to a full-bodied, supple, powerful Grenache that has silky, silky tannins, a seamless texture, no hard edges, and a finish that won't quit. It's already approachable, yet in my experience, this extended elevage results in a very stable wine, and I suspect this beauty will have another two decades of longevity. | 99 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com