Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions 17th Nail & Naked Truth Assortment 2005 6-Pack OWC 750mL [4 Nail/2 Naked]

"I've only been able to taste the 2005 The 17th Nail In My Cranium Eleven Confessions Vineyard on a handful of occasions, and to say it never failed to impress would be an understatement. Based on 96.5% Syrah and 3.5% Viognier aged 38 months in French oak, it's still incredibly concentrated and opulent, with a sensational perfume of bloody red and blue fruits, leafy herbs, gamey meats, and ground pepper. It hits the palate with full-bodied richness as well as a layered, deep, opulent mouthfeel with resolved tannins and a sensational finish. While this is clearly mature, it still needs plenty of air to show at its best, and this bottle held up beautifully over two days, without a hint of fatigue or oxidation. It's a remarkable, singular wine from this genius of a winemaker." - Jeb Dunnuck, JD100, tasted 3/2024"2005 The Naked Truth: Manfred Krankl’s obvious love for his wife Elaine seems very apparent with the 2003, followed by the 2004 Ode to E, and here again, a sketch of his wife unclothed (sorry, back view only) appears on the label of the 2005. (I only know it’s his wife because I asked him!) A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah (any Mourvedre added to the Grenache is now a thing of the past), this wine, made totally from the 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, is young, yet like all the SQN wines, approachable in its glorious display of fruit, purity and freshness. Dense purple, and offering up notes of cranberries, pepper, boysenberries, raspberries and cherries, a cornucopia of red and black fruits emerge from the aromatics, gently dosed with some spicy oak and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied, gutsy and fleshy, with loads of glycerin, a heady mouthfeel and a long finish, this wine has beautiful freshness and delineation." - The Wine Advocate, RP97, tasted 8/2011