Sine Qua Non Syrah California The Thrill of Stamp Collecting 2009

95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Syrah The Thrill Of impresses for its poise and underlying energy. Dark fruit, spices, licorice and violets sit on a core of firm tannin as this powerful wine opens up in the glass. Today, The Thrill OfYcomes across as very, very young. The intensity of the fruit and the oak are dominant at present. In another few years the wine should be spectacular. The Thrill Of... is 90% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 4% Viognier, all destemmed and mostly from estate owned vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Aug 2012)"

95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(includes 6% grenache and 4% viognier; 15.5% alcohol): Inky purple. A wild, heady bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, smoky Indian spices and cola. Lush, palate-staining dark fruit flavors show a suave blend of richness and vivacity, picking up floral pastille and licorice nuances with air. Shows superb energy on the finish, which features chewy tannins and a sexy violet pastille quality. (Nov/Dec 2012)"