Sine Qua Non Grenache The Gorgeous Victim 2017

98-100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "...Composed of 76% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 9% Syrah, 3.8% Petit Sirah and 1.2% Viognier, and the vineyard sources are: 46% Cumulus Estate, 29% Eleven Confessions Estate, 6% Molly Aida Estate, 17% The Third Twin Estate and 2% Bien Nacido Vineyard. It was aged for around 23 months in 23% new French oak, 48% used oak (various sizes) and 29% concrete, and 46% (mainly Grenache) was fermented using whole clusters. Medium garnet-purple, this young, bombastic Grenache explodes from the glass with the most incredible perfume: red roses, cinnamon stick, lilacs and crushed black cherries with chocolate box, aniseed, garrigue and dried herbs plus gentle waves of lavender, dusty soil and smoked meats. Full-bodied with an incredibly silky texture, the decadently fruited palate features amazing freshness and vibrancy, finishing with stacks of flavor layers and a provocatively savory/chewy lift coming from the use of whole cluster. Just. Magic. It is anticipated that 1225 cases and 600 magnums will be bottled. (Jun 2019)"

98+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted from bottle, the deeply hued 2017 Grenache The Gorgeous Victim checks in as 76% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 9% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier. This deep purple Grenache boasts a savory, almost bloody style that delivers full-bodied aromas and flavors of kirsch, blackberries, ground pepper, graphite, and iron. It has loads of depth, a stacked mid-palate, and enough tannins to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age. This sexy, perfumed, complex, singular beauty will drink beautifully for 20 years or more. Drink: 2022-2044. (8/4/20)"