The 2004 Sine Qua Non Syrah Poker Face is a phenomenal wine that shows rich, decadent fruit with black currant, blackberry and subtle blueberry notes backed up by vanilla and integrated, toasty oak aromas. Full bodied and amazingly precise, the palate is perfectly balanced, elegant, rich and amazingly long. Despite all of the upfront fruit in this wine, the structure and back-end level of concentration is rock solid. This was decanted for an hour and then drank over the evening with dinner and while it lacks some complexity on the nose at the moment, the depth and richness of the fruit mixed with the lightness and perfection on the palate is a stunning mix. (JD) 96+

Glass-staining violet. The nose offers an exotic, room-filling array of black and blue fruits, fresh flowers, incense and minerals. Deep black raspberry and candied cherry flavors are complicated by smoked meat and graphite, with silky tannins adding support. Gains sweetness and weight with air, finishing with serious grip and expanding fruit. Remarkably deep and pure: a Syrah with stunning clarity and great sex appeal. (JR)

The 2004 Syrah Poker Face remains deep, inky and powerful, even at eleven years of age. A host of black cherry, chocolate, licorice and smoke meld together in this dark, voluptuous Syrah. As good as the 2004 is, it's also quite clear just how far Sine Qua Non has come since the Poker Face was made. The blend is 96% Syrah, with drops of Mourvèdre and Viognier. Vineyard sources are 33% Eleven Confessions, 27% White Hawk, 22% Alban, 16% Bien Nacido and 3% Alta Mesa. (AG)