If there is such thing as "cult" wine, it is Sine Qua Non wines that started in a garage as a hobby and took the world by storm immediately, not only by its flavours but also by the controversial labels. 

Sine Qua Non better explains themselves and their wines and Trouver l'Arene Syrah 2015 is no exception to their philosophy; 

"... Our wines were born of pure passion and a wishful dream to make something that is so distinctive and so delicious as to make it indispensable to wine lovers the world over. Clearly a rather lofty, even unrealistic notion, but one we decided to pursue anyway. And so with the 1994 vintage started, made a whopping four and a half barrels of Syrah that we called Queen of Spades.

... We are not working on a grape growing or winemaking THESIS. Instead we want all of our efforts to be reflected in every glass of SQN. And so our goal has been and always will be to understand Mother Natures often oblique ways and (re)act accordingly so that we may create wines that express all that Nature has so generously given us. And all that this beautifully warm and sunny place called California has to offer. Wines that speak to the heart and the mind both. Wines that are ripe and flavorful, but also graceful and balanced. Wines that are perfectly enjoyable and delicious young, but that will age and show a new and interesting personality with each passing year. Wines that surprise with each sip and where the last drop not the first sip was the best one. Wines that make you smile and happy and appreciate all that is lovely.

Wines that make you sense they were crafted by people who loved making them. With that, we hope youll join our vinous family and thanks again for looking us up." 

Drink now - 2040

AWARDS AND REVIEWS 

100 points, Robert Parker

Composed of 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, all sourced from estate vineyards37% The Third Twin, 36% Eleven Confessions and 27% Cumulusthe 2015 Syrah Trouver LArene was made using 34% whole cluster and has a deep purple-black color with intense cassis, black plums and black cherries scents plus hints of anise, violets, sage and tar, with wafts of savory/smoked meat suggestions. Full-bodied, this voluptuous beauty is seriously singing in the mouth, belting out vibrant red and black fruit flavor layers, all framed by very fine, rounded, ripe tannins and a wonderful freshness, finishing with persistent perfumed fruit and a spring in its step. 1,778 cases and 600 magnums were produced.

100 Points Jeb Dunnuck

The otherworldly 2015 Syrah Trouver lArene is made from 80% Syrah, 7% each of Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Viognier and Grenache. As with the Grenache in 2015, it saw some whole clusters in the fermentation and spent 22 months in close to equal parts new and used French oak. Opaque purple-colored and loaded with sensational notes of smoked black fruits, peppery herbs, liquid flowers, exotic spice, and lavender, this insane beauty hits the palate with awesome density and depth, yet stays amazingly light and graceful, with no apparent weight or heaviness. It possesses sweet tannin, incredible purity of fruit, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. Its an incredible effort that reminds me of a great vintage of Guigals Côte Rôtie La Mouline (the 2010? Its not too dissimilar to the 2003 early in its life) with its exotic, floral, gamey character. There have been so many monumental Syrahs from this address its difficult to say where this beauty will ultimately end up when its at maturity, but my money is on it being in the top handful of Syrahs ever made by Manfred. Its incredible today (with a decant) but needs 3-5 years and will knock your socks off over the following two decades or more. 

97 points Vinous-Antonio Galloni

A real head-turner, the 2015 Syrah Trouver l'Arène is every bit as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich, sumptuous and exquisitely layered, the 2015 possesses magnificent concentration as it builds in the glass. Inky dark blue/purplish berry fruit, graphite, smoke, licorice and spice are some of the many nuances that develop in an arrestingly beautiful, vivid Syrah that will thrill those fortunate enough to find it. The blend is 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, done with 34% whole clusters and aged for 22 months in 48% new oak