Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Syrah 2020 (750 ml)

Tasting Notes For Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Syrah 2020

Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Syrah 2020 is a masterful expression of the estate’s dedication to bold, boundary-pushing winemaking. Sourced exclusively from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, this Syrah-based wine is a powerhouse of intensity, elegance, and complexity. Blended with small amounts of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Viognier, the 2020 vintage continues the legacy of rich, textured, and age-worthy wines that define Sine Qua Non’s signature style.

In the glass, this Syrah reveals an impenetrable, inky black-purple hue, foreshadowing the depth and concentration within. The nose is remarkably intense, offering a seductive mix of blackberry liqueur, crushed blueberries, black cherry, and cassis, complemented by smoky bacon fat, cracked black pepper, violets, espresso, and dark chocolate shavings. Hints of graphite, licorice, and an exotic spice medley add further intrigue, creating a multi-dimensional aromatic experience. On the palate, the 2020 Eleven Confessions Syrah is both powerful and impeccably balanced, with silky yet firm tannins and a velvety texture that coats the mouth effortlessly. The wine’s rich dark fruit core is laced with savory umami notes, crushed rock minerality, and well-integrated oak, leading to a finish that lingers for over a minute with a captivating interplay of fruit, spice, and earth.

Built for the long haul, the 2020 Eleven Confessions Syrah will only grow in complexity over the next 15–20 years, rewarding those patient enough to cellar it. While it can be enjoyed now with proper decanting, this wine is an ideal candidate for aging, allowing its nuanced layers to unfold over time. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, slow-braised lamb, or a well-marbled ribeye, this Syrah is a testament to Sine Qua Non’s unparalleled artistry and uncompromising pursuit of excellence.

Critic Ratings

Jeb Dunnuck Review - Rated 99:

One of those singular, powerhouse wines that will stop anyone in their tracks (well, its stopped me anyways), the 2020 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard offers an insane nose of bloody red and blue fruits, ground pepper, graphite, cured meats, and baking spices, with some classic Sta. Rita Hills marine/salty sea breeze-like nuances. With a dense, powerful mouthfeel, full-bodied aromas and flavors, massive fruit, and building tannins, this beauty is going to benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and blow you away over the following two decades. It reminds me of the 2005 Nail in my Cranium with its massive, powerful, yet flawlessly balanced style, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this evolve along the same trajectory as that wine. The 2020 is 84% Syrah, 12% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah and white varieties, fermented with one quarter whole clusters and aged 38 months in 58% new oak.