2014, Sine Qua Non Piranha Waterdance, Syrah, Ventura, Central Coast, California, 15.8% Alc, CT95, RP100
| Article number: | 2014 SQN, Piranha, Syrah |
| Availability: | Out of stock |
100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and 1% Graciano, sourced from 34% The Third Twin, 35% Eleven Confessions and 31% Cumulus (all estate vineyards), the provocative, inky purple colored 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance was made using 26% whole cluster and hits the scent scene with exuberant, pure crème de cassis, blackberry cordial and blueberry coulis notes with hints of espresso, licorice, garrigue and menthol, plus a gorgeous underlying perfume of red roses. The full-bodied palate is oh-so-elegant and pretty, revealing very finely pixelated tannins that beautifully frame the almost electric intensity, culminating in an epically long, licorice and chocolate-laced finish. Too stunning for mere words and rude to even try--just drink it.
99 points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2014 Syrah Waterdance is utterly sensational, and like all great wines, blends incredible intensity and depth with a weightless elegance and seamlessness that’s hard to believe. Checking in as a blend of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional and Graciano that was fermented with a quarter whole clusters and aged in just over 50% new oak, it offers to-die-for notes of crème de cassis, cracked pepper, liquid violets, wet stone and hints of spice. Utterly sensational on the palate as well, it’s a full-bodied, rich, unctuous beauty that has nothing out of place, perfect balance, sweet tannin and a finish that won’t quit. Ideally it would be given 4-5 years of cellaring and it will see its 20th birthday in fine form. I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist.