99 pts
Wine Advocate
2008 Sine Qua Non Syrah The Duel Central Coast
A prodigious effort that possesses overflowing richness and depth, the 2008 Syrah The Duel (88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard) delivers an off-the-hook drinking experience with decadent cassis, blackberry, smoked meats, crushed flowers and hints of spice all soaring from the glass. A full-bodied, unctuous Syrah that stays fresh and elegant, with vibrant acidity, it needs a solid decant if drinking anytime soon and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink now-2028.
96 pts
Vinous
2008 Sine Qua Non Syrah The Duel Central Coast
The 2008 Syrah The Duel, from Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is also impossibly young, with little in the way of flavor development. I typically enjoy the Sine Qua Non reds either upon release or around age ten, so I probably should have followed my own advice. The 2008 is beautiful, but it will clearly be even better in another few years’ time. This is one of the most reticent bottles of the 2008 I have tasted.
98 pts
Jeb Dunnuck
2008 Sine Qua Non Grenache The Duel Central Coast
A thrilling Grenache that has an almost Janasse Vieille Vignes like aromatic profile, the 2008 Sine Qua Non Grenache The Duel is a blend of 82% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 2% Viognier, and 2% Roussanne, all from the estate’s Eleven Confessions vineyard, that was fermented with 32% whole cluster and aged in a scant 15% new French oak. Incredibly pure and energetic, it displays knockout aromas of crisp red and black berry fruit, licorice, roasted meats, crushed flowers, and sappy underbrush to go with saturating, liquid mineral like quality that permeates both the aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very rich, it nevertheless stays gorgeously focused and detailed on the palate, with a silky texture riding over firm underlying tannin and notable acidity. This serious, age-worthy 2008 needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and will age effortlessly for 15-20 years.
95 pts
Vinous
2008 Sine Qua Non Grenache The Duel Central Coast
Opaque purple. Blackberry, blueberry, incense and potpourri on the heady, powerfully scented nose. Offers a wild array of dark fruit and floral flavors, with intense spiciness and a lush, velvety texture. This wine completely stains the palate yet comes off as shockingly lithe, with the sweet, spicy finish featuring fully absorbed tannins.
