2015 Sine Qua Non, Trouver L'Arene Syrah, Central Coast

Manfred and Elaine Krankl's Sine Qua Non approach centers on meticulous, "essentially organic" vineyard stewardship across diverse Central Coast sites, including the cool Santa Rita Hills' Eleven Confessions and Cumulus vineyards, and the sandy soils of The Third Twin. This dedication to site-specific farming and low yields informs a winemaking philosophy of small-batch fermentation with native yeasts, extended macerations, and judicious use of both new and neutral French oak, with the 2015 Trouver L'Arene Syrah seeing 34% whole cluster and 22 months in barrel. The 2015 Central Coast vintage, characterized by lower yields and a cooler growing season compared to the preceding years, contributed to wines of notable concentration while preserving essential acidity and tannic tension. The resulting Trouver L'Arene Syrah, a blend comprising 80.5% Syrah, exhibits a full-bodied texture framed by fine-grained, ripe tannins and a persistent freshness, showcasing a structural equilibrium derived from the vintage's conditions and the distinct vineyard expressions.