Sine Qua Non Grenache Shakti 2014 (750ML)

96-98 WA

Leading off the 2014s from barrel, the 2014 Grenache Shakti (88% Grenache, 6% Mourvedre, 4% Petite Sirah and the rest Touriga Nacionale) comes largely from the Cumulus Vineyard, with smaller portions from Eleven Confessions, the Third Twin and Bien Nacido. Aged almost entirely in neutral barrels (6% new), it has a supple, sexy profile as well as killer base notes of black raspberries, cassis, ground herbs and violets. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and laced with sweet tannin, I continue to be baffled why so few people in California get close to this level of quality with Grenache.