Initially coming off like a young and powerful Grenache, the Trouver l'Arene spat kirsch, red and black cherry, red and black raspberry, garrigue, and Cosmo cocktail notes that would've had me…
Round number two with the Aperta. I wrote a novella on this a couple of weeks ago on Cellar Tracker, so if you're bored on the couch waiting for your mom to warm up your leftover Mac & Cheese, feel…
An SQN Rhone concoction that Frankensteins a surgical amalgamation of mixed whites, the 2018 Aperta is a provocative fusion of 38% Chardonnay, 25% Viognier, 22% Roussanne, 6% Petit Manseng, and 9%…
Creeping up on two years now since I last had a bottle, I can't deny my affection for this wine; it simply commands attention as soon as it hits the glass. Pouring a moonless midnight black-purple,…
Kirsch, earth, spicebox, pine needles, and black cherry elements ride slightly higher toned and on a thin layer of alcohol before a two-hour decant allows for the flavors to file in proper line and…
In a sea of top-shelf Napa Cabernet Sauvignons, this SQN was able to wedge its way into the crowd and make a fine showing. However, two things about that. Firstly, there was an obvious profile…
Red and purple plum, spice, brush, red cherry, black raspberry, and faint hits of cedar, the "E" left me with the impression of a wine that has so much potential, but is nowhere near where it needs…
A couple of domestic pirates made their ways into the mix, specifically two Krankl creations (outside of the Chimere) - the Third Twin Nuestra Senora and the SQN Dirt Vernacular Grenache.
With an instant outpouring of savory and succulent black and red raspberry, cassis, purple plum, licorice, Christmas spices, soft soppressata, and hints of white pepper notes, the Profuga is a…
A bit more of a stricter presentation with this bottle when compared to the last one in October 2020, this B 20 took some coaxing in the glass before it began to show its more accessible side. Deep…
DAY 1: A blackberry Manhattan of Fireball whiskey bowling over the palate with overwhelming booze intensity and crunchy dark berry fruit. There's no opportunity for a mid-palate here, as it jams…
Way too Nickelodeon to be opening this early but far too difficult for my cracker-barrel psyche to continuously resist, these bottles were ever-leering at me with every pass I'd make by the cellar…
A broad-shouldered Rhone-inspired white that carries enough energy and brightness (thanks to the 44% Chardonnay and 8% Viognier) to counterbalance the otherwise fuller-throttled richness of the 40%…
A big blast of kirsch, black cherry liqueur, black raspberry, and a hefty amount of rocket fuel on the finish. This needs a martini glass. My nose hairs... Where have my precious nose hairs gone...?…
In an absolutely gorgeous place right now. Completely elevated both texturally and flavorfully, especially compared to when I had it a couple of years ago (94 points from me back then, as it was…
A black and red raspberry core is sophisticatedly flanked by subtle notes of kirsch, leather, wet bark, underbrush, and spice. Finishes with a faint push of heat on the back end but still…
A slight step up from last year. In a great spot right now with about two hours in the decanter at just below cellar temperature. A little gummy on the back end, but the viscosity is what makes for a…
Stunning purple and black fruit lead a formidable but sophisticatedly succulent push on the front-end delivery of the SQN "M" Syrah. Flanked by notes of blackberry, black olives, creosote, melted…
Certainly a worthy comparison to a strong white Rhone, with a deeply pitched and viscous mouthfeel that makes for a full-throttle (at times, a bit heavy) delivery. It's a weighty white to be sure,…
A solid showing for such an infant. Surprisingly more medium-bodied than I was expecting given its youth (and considering its listed 16.1% ABV - which probably means 17%+). Appealing and agreeable…
Dark, fairly round and rich, and displaying a ripe and ready attack of brooding black and crimson core fruit. Less of the funk than its Syrah counterpart, but equally as opaque. No high-toned red…
Nectarine skin, marmalade, yellow citrus, lamp oil, lemongrass, and cashew notes. A great drop on the mid-palate in terms of intensity and depth, with a decent Chardonnay-freshness that kept the…
From magnum. Moving from the 2000, 2001, and 2002 SQNs and skipping a few years to embark on the 2007s and 2008s in the lineup, this is where I really started to find pleasure and excitement. Though…
