Sine Qua Non The Rejuvenators White Blend 2004
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Robert
Parker
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Blend: 56% Roussanne, 24% Viognier, 20% Chardonnay
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A gorgeous white that didn’t start to shine until after two hours in the decanter, Manfred’s 2004 The Rejuvenators is a blend of 56% Roussanne, 24% Viognier and 20% Chardonnay, aged in 55% new French oak, that came mostly from John Alban’s site in the Edna Valley, but with 9% of the blend from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard. Light gold in color, with a rich, full-flavored and voluptuously-styled bouquet of white peach, white flowers, honeyed apricots and a tinge of marzipan, this incredible effort hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, and brilliant concentration, and no sense of weight or heaviness. Given the concentration level here, as well as the overall balance and freshness, it will continue to evolve for decades.
Sine Qua Non has its own winemaking facility in Ventura, California not far from the Santa Barbara vineyards where the fruit is sourced from. In the last few years Manfred and his wife, Elaine, have begun creating their own vineyards dedicated to Rhone varietals. Their winemaking philosophy is to work in very small batches, gravity flow, natural yeasts (unless a fermentation problem is anticipated), long lees aging for the whites and repeated racking for the reds to open them up. This is a modified explanation of a very dedicated and artistic approach to winemaking. The wines are simultaneously very rich and elegant, superbly balanced and thoroughly harmonious with food, never overwhelming.