2013 Sine Qua Non, Male, California 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

The 2013 Syrah Male is an elegant, seamless Syrah that exudes class in its creme de cassis, black raspberry, smoked meats, graphite and asphalt-laced bouquet. This is a blend of 80% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvedre, 3.5% Touriga National and 3.5% Viognier, fermented with 28% whole clusters and aged 25 months in 65% new French oak. It’s full-bodied, beautifully layered, silky and seamless, with no hard edges and wonderful freshness in both the aromatics and palate. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15. [Jeb Dunnuck, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035

Vinous 96

Blackberry jam, mocha, chocolate and dark spices give the 2013 Syrah Male much of its deep, powerful personality. This is an especially large-scaled, ample Syrah. Today, though, the 2013 is a bit monolithic. Time in the glass helps, but patience and time in bottle are absolutely essential here. The blend is 80% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvedre, 3.5% Touriga Nacional and 3.5% Viognier, done with 28% whole clusters. Interestingly, the 2013 Syrah is more expressive than the Grenache at this stage. [Antonio Galloni, 09/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028