2018 Sine Qua Non Grenache Profuga

The 2018 Grenache Profuga is composed of 77.5% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 8.3% Syrah, 3.3% Petite Sirah and 0.9% Viognier. The vineyard sources are 38% Cumulus Estate, 35% The Third Twin Estate, 23% Eleven Confessions Estate and 4% Bien Nacido vineyard. Forty-one percent whole cluster was performed, predominately on the Grenache. The small proportion of Viognier was co-fermented with red grapes, but interestingly, because it ripens earlier, the white berries are frozen and added to the reds at the time of fermentation. As an added bonus, these frozen grapes help to cool and, therefore, slow the fermentation. The wine was aged for around 23 months in 37% new French oak, 57.8% used oak and 5.2% concrete. It was bottled on July 29, 2020. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a mélange of fresh black cherries, boysenberries, red roses and raspberry leaves with hints of cracked pepper, dusty earth, bay leaves and aniseed. The concentrated, full-bodied palate possesses the most gorgeous silken texture, nonetheless delivering a solid backbone including a lively line of freshness, finishing with epic length and lots of spicy fireworks. 1387 cases plus 600 magnums were made.

Tasted out of bottle, the 2018 Grenache Profuga is firmer and more focused than the 2019 and has deep, layered, full-bodied style as well as ample pepper, iron, and herbes de Provence like nuances all grounded by a massive core of cassis, kirsch, and assorted berry fruits. The 2018s from this estate are brilliant across the board and shine for their purity, focus, and precision, and this beauty is going to benefit from a few years of bottle age and keep for 15+. The blend is 77.5% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 8.3% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier that saw 41% stems and 23 months in 37% new French oak.

The 2018 Grenache Profuga is a rich, heady wine. Black cherry, chocolate, new leather, spice and scorched earth give the 2018 its distinctly dark, brooding personality. Tasted next to the 2018, the 2019 is quite a bit darker and more potent. This large-scaled, full-throttle wine will benefit from at least a few years in bottle.