Fine Wine: New World Wines

Live Virtual Auction, 18 September 2022

New World Wines

Sold for

ZAR 10 553
Lot 888
  • Sine Qua Non; Atlantis Fe203-1b California Syrah; 2005; 1 (1 x 1); 750ml
  • Sine Qua Non; Atlantis Fe203-1b California Syrah; 2005; 1 (1 x 1); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 8 000 - 12 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 10 553

About this Item

2005 Atlantis Fe203-1b California Syrah
1 (1 x 1) 750ml

Sine Qua Non is one of California's most famous wine producers. Based just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, and with most of its vineyards in Santa Barbara, it eschews the usual image of top California wine as being only from Napa Valley. That is not the only thing eschewed at Sine Qua Non – the same wine is rarely made more than once, turning the idea of the American icon wine on its head.
The brand has become a cult favorite since its beginnings. Small volumes mean that demand has consistently outstripped supply and, like many top Californian producers, Sine Qua Non has employed a mailing list to sell wines directly to customers. The wines fetch top prices on the secondary market, often reaching more than $1000, and occasionally much higher: in 2014, a single bottle of Sine Qua Non rosé from the 1995 vintage fetched $42,780 at auction.

Provenance

Coats Family cellar.

Critics Ratings

‘The perfect 2005 Syrah Atlantis Fe 203-1a,b,c is a blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, with 25% whole clusters. Whereas the Ode to E is all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, this cuvee is a combination of 43% from the estate vineyard, 28% from the White Hawk Vineyard, 21% from the Alban Vineyard, and 8% from the Bien Nacido Vineyard. The good news is there are nearly 1,500 cases of this recently released offering. An extraordinarily flowery nose interwoven with scents of blueberries, blackberries, incense, and graphite soars from the glass. Although not the biggest or most concentrated Syrah Krankl has made, it is one of the most nuanced, elegant, and complex. It remains full-bodied, but builds incrementally on the palate, and comes across as elegant and delicate, especially when compared to many California Syrahs. Nevertheless, the intensity is mind-boggling, and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. Drink this amazing effort over the next 10-15+ years.’ - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 100/100 (Jun 2008)

‘Opaque ruby color. Powerful, impressively concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by smoky minerals, candied licorice, incense and cured tobacco. Pliant dark berry flavors stain the palate and are energized by zesty minerals. A big, sweet palate-stainer that somehow manages to be graceful as well. Sweet black and blue fruit flavors linger endlessly on the finish, which is refreshingly spicy and focused.’ - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 94-95/100 (Nov 2008)

View all Sine Qua Non lots for sale in this auction