Sine Qua Non Le Chemin Vers l'Heresie Grenache 2015
Grenache
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
4.5 Fantastic
(5)
Product Details
Varietal
Producer
Vintage
2015
Size
750ML
Features
Collectible
Boutique
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Blend: 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional, 4% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2015 Grenache le Chemin Vers l’Heresie from barrel, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint from bottle. The 2015 checks in as a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and the rest Petite Sirah, fermented with 44% whole clusters (all from the Grenache and Mourvèdre) and aged close to two years in mostly used barrel. It sports a ruby/purple-tinged color to go with gorgeous notes of black cherries, framboise, black olives, fennel seed, and peppery herbs. Deep, concentrated, yet also voluptuous and seamless, it’s another tour de force from this estate which consistently produces one of the greatest Grenaches in the world. Drink it anytime over the coming 15+ years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin Vers L'Heresie is a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, coming 35% from The Third Twin (Estate) Vineyard, 9% from Bien Nacido Vineyard, 28% from the Cumulus (Estate) Vineyard, 26% from the Eleven Confessions (Estate) Vineyard and 2% from Molly Aida (Estate) Vineyard. It was produced using 44% whole cluster and aged for around 22 months in French oak, 11% new (bottled August 21, 2017). It has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant nose of violets, kirsch, blueberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of lavender, smoky bacon, Provence herbs and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and bold, the wines bursts with energy, superbly framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lingering sautéed herbs and black pepper notions.
Rating: 98+ -
Wine Spectator
The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin vers l'Hérésie is a total turn-on. Rich, ripe and voluptuous, but with considerable aromatic nuance from the 44% whole clusters, the 2015 has it all. Time in the glass brings out floral and red-toned Grenache varietal notes, and the flavors are remarkably vivid and intense today. Even so, readers will have to cellar this for at least a few years. All the elements are in place for the 2015 to develop into a spectacular wine. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2015 is 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, done with 44% whole clusters (for the Grenache and Mourvèdre). Range: 96-98
Sine Qua Non was created after the 1994 harvest of a Bien Nacido Syrah named “The Queen of Spades”. Winemaker Manfred Krankl feels strongly that each vintage is a completely unique wine and thus he gives each wine a unique name. He also creates the artwork for each new label himself. Previously, Manfred had made wines with Bryan Babcock and John Alban and still sources much of his fruit from Alban’s vineyard. The basic white wines have always been a white blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier and a red wine based on Syrah plus Grenache. Sometimes there are small quantities of Rose and a Grenache-based red.
Sine Qua Non has its own winemaking facility in Ventura, California not far from the Santa Barbara vineyards where the fruit is sourced from. In the last few years Manfred and his wife, Elaine, have begun creating their own vineyards dedicated to Rhone varietals. Their winemaking philosophy is to work in very small batches, gravity flow, natural yeasts (unless a fermentation problem is anticipated), long lees aging for the whites and repeated racking for the reds to open them up. This is a modified explanation of a very dedicated and artistic approach to winemaking. The wines are simultaneously very rich and elegant, superbly balanced and thoroughly harmonious with food, never overwhelming.
ARP412177_2015 Item# 412177