Region and Vineyards
The 2018 Eleven Confessions Syrah hails from Sine Qua Non’s estate vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of California’s Central Coast. This region is characterized by its cool, maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, and its unique transverse mountain ranges. The vineyard's soils are composed of sandy loam and clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the intensity and complexity of the fruit.
The Sta. Rita Hills' cool temperatures and foggy mornings extend the growing season, allowing for slow, even ripening of the grapes. This results in wines with vibrant acidity, deep color, and concentrated flavors. The meticulous vineyard management and low yields further enhance the quality of the fruit, making it ideal for producing powerful yet balanced Syrahs.
Winemaking
The 2018 Eleven Confessions Syrah is a blend of 82% Syrah, 10.6% Grenache, 5.3% Petite Sirah, and 2.1% Viognier, all sourced from the estate vineyard. Approximately 28% of the grapes were fermented with whole clusters, adding complexity and structure to the wine. The fermentation process was carefully managed to extract maximum flavor and color while preserving the wine's elegance.
After fermentation, the wine was aged for about 38 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new. This extended aging period allowed the wine to develop its rich texture and integrate its flavors seamlessly. The result is a full-bodied, powerful wine with fine-grained tannins and a harmonious balance between fruit, oak, and acidity.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Opaque ruby-purple with a deep, inky core.
- Aroma: Intense aromas of cassis, coffee beans, garrigue, cracked pepper, and floral notes.
- Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated, featuring layers of ripe cherries, currants, black and white pepper, cured meats, and saddle leather. The wine boasts powdery tannins, integrated acidity, and a tremendously long, seamless finish.
Did you know?
Sine Qua Non is renowned for its unconventional approach to winemaking, often changing the names and labels of its wines with each vintage. The 2018 Eleven Confessions Syrah received perfect 100-point scores from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, highlighting its exceptional quality and the winery's commitment to excellence.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Grilled ribeye steak with rosemary and garlic: The wine's robust structure and savory notes complement the richness of the steak.
- Braised lamb shanks with herbs de Provence: The earthy flavors of the lamb harmonize with the wine's complex aromatics.
- Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil: The umami-rich dish pairs beautifully with the wine's depth and elegance.
- Aged Gouda or Roquefort cheese: The bold flavors of these cheeses match the intensity and complexity of the Syrah.
