Wine Spectator (97)

Wow. This '95 Special Selection is a classic. Amazingly complex, it displays a wide range of flavors--including currant, wild berry, herb, sage, coffee and tobacco--gains in nuance, delicacy, elegance and finesse, and unveils pretty oak shadings on the finish. Drink now through 2009. 2,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate (96)

Espresso, mocha, dark red berries, rose petals and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2008 Harlan Estate. The wine fleshes out beautifully in the glass as it shows off its class and true pedigree. This is a decidedly ripe, forward vintage, but in exchange the wine will drink well right out of the gate. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95-98)

(picked during the first half of October): Good medium ruby. Smoky aromas of ripe plum, black raspberry and minerals. Plush, very fine-grained and sweet, with lively harmonious acidity giving outstanding lift to the dense yet juicy middle palate. This is barely 14% alcohol and shows near-perfect balance. It's sure to be one of the wines of the vintage and will merit a score toward the higher end of my projected range if it continues to put on weight in barrel.

This assortment case contains:

1x150cl The Duel Syrah 2008 – 99 points | Wine Advocate

1x150cl The Duel Grenache 2008 – 97 points | Wine Advocate

Wine Advocate (100)

Sine Qua Non Grenache Jusqu' a l'os 2013 (100 pts) The 2013 Grenache Jusqu' a l'os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months in 51% used oak, 6% new French oak and 43% concrete tanks (bottled December 6, 2016). It displays a medium to deep garnet color and rock star vibrant red currant and black raspberry scents with hints of licorice, mocha, Indian spices and peppered salami plus oh-so-fragrant and seductive touches of potpourri and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and opulently fruited in the mouth, the alluring, velvety tannins support savory, spicy layers right through the long, mineral-laced finish. This is one drop dead gorgeous, femme fatale of a wine. 868 cases of 750 milliliter bottles, 223 magnums and 30 double magnums were made. Drinking Window: 2018 - 2035 Sine Qua Non Syrah Le Supplement 2013 (100 pts) Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just starting to evolve into beguiling earthy/meaty tertiary notes with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy bark, black soil, patchouli and salami over a core of blackberry compote, preserved plums, mincemeat pie and star anise with a touch of dried lavender. Rich, concentrated and decadent, the full-bodied, opulent palate explodes with black fruits preserves peppered by meaty/savory nuances and culminating in epically lingering exotic spice notes. 866 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced. Drinking Window: 2018 - 2038

The collection case contains:

- Sine Qua Non "Ratsel" 2016 (1x150cl) - 100 (JD) | 99 (WA)

- Sine Qua Non "Dirt Vernacular" 2016 (1x150cl) - 100 (JD) | 98+ (WA)

Sine Que Non "Ratsel" 2016 is, in the words of Dunnuck, "pure perfection in Syrah". A truly majestic grape which is often wrongly overlooked in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Syrah can achieve things the others simply cannot, especially in the hands of those who have completely mastered it - Ratsel is massively concentrated and intense but retains a savoury edge to just season the layers-upon-layers of fruit, keeping this wine almost addictive. Perfectly balanced with ultra-fine tannins, its finish is seemingly endless yet utterly weightless.

Whilst "Dirt Vernacular" is technically a blend, close to 80% of this wine is Grenache and it is this slightly more niche grape that really sings throughout the cuvee. Describing it as "straight-up heavenly stuff that tops out on my scale this year", Dunnuck once again found perfection in a 2016 Rhone varietal from Sine Qua Non. Grenache of this caliber is formidably structured yet exquisitely layered. The aromas of kirsch, berries, dark fruits, graphite, granite and fresh herbs never overwhelm, but rather introduce themselves with confidence and authority. The Krankls signature ability to combine power with elegance is yet again felt in this wine - one of the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made in California.

Vinous (89)

Medium red with a hint of brown. Evolved, balsamic aromas of currant, black tea and coffee grounds. Still some fruit left, as well as a brown sugar sweetness, with strong juicy acidity and firm tannins keeping the wine alive.