2011 Dark Blossom Grenache & Syrah Assorted Box Set
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Grenache Dark Blossom is probably the best Grenache-based blend in the vintage. A blend of 75 Grenache, 12.5 Syrah, 11.5 Mourvedre and a splash of Roussanne (fermented with 11 whole clusters), it has a perfumed, complex style, with notions of black raspberry, cassis, dried flowers, white pepper and licorice giving way to a full-bodied, layered and seamless mouthfeel. There’s no shortage of fruit here, and while it’s hard to resist now, it has enough tannin to warrant short-term cellaring. It should knock it out of the park through 2029.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2011 Grenache Dark Blossom emerges from the glass with darker tonalities of fruit and firmer tannin compared to the 2012. Vivid, complex and nuanced, the 2011 is flat-out stunning today. Grilled herbs, smoke, sage, mint and black cherries linger on the explosive, structured finish.
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.