2021 Sine Qua Non "Eleven Confessions Vineyard" Central Coast Grenache & "Eleven Confessions Vineyard" Central Coast Syrah Horizontal (OWC)

“The extended barrel-aged 2021 Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard comes from a blend of 86.1% Grenache, 8.5% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Sirah, and 1% Viognier. Fermented with 55% whole clusters and aged 38 months in just under 30% new French demi-muids, it offers an extraordinary bouquet of sweet redcurrants, black cherries, Provençal herbs, licorice, kirsch liqueur, and ground pepper that’s absolutely captivating. One of the most intellectual Grenache releases from the Krankls, it’s anything but light or under-fruited, delivering a full-bodied, voluptuous mouthfeel, flawless balance, ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that simply doesn’t quit. This magical effort underscores the Krankls’ meticulous attention to detail, relentless work ethic, and sheer talent in both vineyard and cellar. I would not hesitate to place it among the greatest Grenache-based wines ever produced – 1990 Bonneau Réserve des Célestins, 2007 Giraud Grenaches de Pierre, 2007 Clos des Papes, 2010 Clos Saint Jean Deus ex Machina, and 2005 Barroche Cuvée Pure. It’s that good. (JD)” (09/2025)

“The 2021 Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard is a showstopper, a stunning wine of unimpeachable pedigree and finesse. For all its intensity, it remains cool-toned and remarkably graceful, with layers of red fruit, spice and lavender unfurling in a finish that fans out like a peacock's tail. Iron-tinged minerality lends striking complexity and underlines the wine's stature. The cool growing season endowed this Grenache with a sense of weightlessness and transparency. The 2021 is remarkably fresh and joyful after 38 months in barrel. The blend is 86.1% Grenache, 8.5% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Sirah and 1% Viognier, with 55% whole clusters. (BN)” (08/2025)

“The mind-boggling 2021 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard might be the finest young Central Coast Syrah I have ever tasted. It sports a deep purple hue and delivers a magnificent bouquet of ripe blue fruits, spring flowers, charcoal, black pepper, white chocolate, and savory bouquet garni nuances. It hits the palate with stunning purity and depth, offering full-bodied richness, a seamless and elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and remarkable length. It comes across as a more elegant expression of the 2004 Poker Face, with some of the layered complexity and polish of the 2010 Stockholm Syndrome. (JD)” (09/2025)

“The 2021 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard is magnificent. Opulent and utterly seamless, it captures the more exuberant side of the estate through the lens of a cool growing season. Waves of ripe blackberry and vanilla-laced spice introduce a wine of dazzling texture and polish, while notes of menthol and eucalyptus emerge with air to add freshness. Plush and expansive, the Eleven Confessions Syrah is the bottling in the range that most vividly channels what many think of as the classic Sine Qua Non house style. The blend is 85.7% Syrah, 9.7% Grenache, 1.3% Petite Sirah, 2.7% Gelber Muskateller and 1.3% Viognier. (BN)” (08/2025)