Cult Californian: Sine Qua Non

Sine Qua Non, often abbreviated to SQN — meaning something ‘essential’ or ‘fundamental’ — is a relative newcomer to the fine wine scene but they have certainly made their mark in a short period and have developed a cult following for their exceptional wines from California. The wines from Sine Qua Non are highly collectible, in no small part due to the high quality of their Rhône varietal based wines, although they have also planted other grapes from other regions in France and beyond, such as Touriga Nacional from Portugal.

Their extremely small limited productions, variety of bottle shapes and sizes add to their distinction. And not forgetting the creative artist labels and highly imaginative names for their myriad of different wines — the hundred plus different wine names and labels and distinctive characterful varietal expressions make for true real collector’s items.

At the forefront of this innovation, and shaking up the California wine industry, were Manfred and Elaine Krankl, part of the late 1980s ‘Rhône Rangers’ movement planting Rhône grape varietals on the West Coast. In 1994, Sine Qua Non was born, and debuted with a Syrah wine called Queen of Spades from grapes grown in the Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, California. Only 100 cases were produced and this highly-prized wine began the clamour for the wines from Sine Qua Non.

Although their focus is on varietals from the Rhône Valley in southern France such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne, they also have plantings from other countries and regions, such as Touriga Nacional, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Muscat and Petit Manseng to name a few. Through experimentation and innovation each new vintage offers unique characteristics and a new look — individuality that keeps collectors on their toes!

Their Eleven Confessions vineyard was planted in 2001 and is located in the cool Santa Rita Hills appellation. The Krankl’s home is next to the Cumulus vineyard which was planted in 2004 and the source for Next of Kyn which debuted with the 2007 vintage. Their Third Twin vineyard was purchased in 2010 and finally Molly Aida completes the four Sine Qua Non estate vineyards.

Among their most celebrated wines are dessert wines: the Mr K series, includes The Noble Man made from late-harvested Chardonnay and The Straw Man a Vin de Paille made from shrivelled Semillon grapes, which produce a sweeter flavour due to their concentrated sugars. These delectable, unctuous and complex multifaceted wines were a partnership between the famed Austrian wine producer, Alois Kracher and SQN.

SQN’s Syrah and Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard wines and Grenache and Syrah No Name As Of Yet are also highly prized, along with the aforementioned Next of Kyn series, which comprise many different blends of grapes that are planted in the Cumulus vineyard, depending on the vintage and wine. They are also renowned for their rare rosé wines, such as their 1997 Crossed Grenache Rosé which is among the most expensive and rare rosé in the world, with only 65 cases produced.

The wines of Sine Qua Non are full of character and individuality, with the generosity and opulence expected from sunny California, where their yields are very low and meticulous care and attention is taken in their vineyards and winery, which helps explain the exuberant aromatics and depth, richness and concentration of these stunning wines. For fine wine enthusiasts and especially lovers of California and Northern and Southern Rhône wines, these rare exceptional wines from Sine Qua Non should certainly be a part of your wine collection – the name, after all, meaning essential, says it all.