Santa Barbara Sine Qua Non Capo dei Putti Manfred Krankl 2014

The Sine Qua Non winery was founded by Austrian born Manfred Krankl, who immigrated to California in the 1980s. After a few years spent opening restaurants, he settled in Ventura to make wine as a hobby. Encouraged by friends and family who enjoyed his wines, he started marketing it in 1994. His first wine was awarded an excellent 95/100 by Robert Parker. The famous American wine critic subsequently awarded him a multitude of 100/100 scores and even dubbed him “One of the most creative and multidimensional winemakers on planet Earth”. In 2004, he began growing his own vines and gradually stopped buying in grapes. His vineyard is a reference for Santa Barbara County, but his limited output means that his wines are extremely sought after.

Lauded by critics, this blend of Syrah and Petite Syrah is made following organic principles (without certification). The grapes grow on soils of sand and silt. They are partially destemmed and vinified traditionally. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels (25% new oak) for almost 3 years. The wine delivers intense notes of red fruits and oak. On the palate, it is concentrate and dense with good depth.