Sine Qua Non night

Dinner at Jiangsu Club.

2004 Sine Qua Non The Rejuvenators - 56% roussanne, 24% viognier, and 20% chardonnay. The nose was very oxidized, very ripe, and in fact over-ripe. Very fragrant, though, and I could almost smell some almonds along with Chinese angelica. Definitely very hot on the palate, but also somewhat rounded. The finish was slightly bitter when the wine warmed up. There was definitely cork taint here, and it became more obvious about 45 minutes after opening.

1998 Sine Qua Non Backward and Forward - 40% chardonnay, 30% roussanne, 30% viognier. This was obviously more mature, with more oxidation leading to a nutty nose. As the wine opened up the nose got more and more fragrant, with marzipan and a little flint. Still got the acidity on the palate, which was pretty nice.

Bought from Sotheby's for HKD 2,893.

2005 Sine Qua Non Over and Out - 100% pinot noir. This was sooo nice, so fragrant and almost floral, with lovely spices and eucalyptus notes.

2009 Sine Qua Non Turn the Whole Thing Upside Down - 84% grenache, 11% syrah, 5% mourvedre. Still got the tannins on the palate but this was softer now.

2005 Sine Qua Non The Naked Truth - 90% grenache and 10% syrah. This was bigger on the palate, felt thicker and more viscous, but just felt the concentration of the wine without the tannins.

Bought from Sotheby's for USD 625.

1999 Sine Qua Non The Marauder - 100% syrah. This was pretty fragrant with lots of sweet fruit. Really smooth on the palate now, although not quite silky yet.

2004 Sine Qua Non Poker Face - 96% syrah, 2.5% mourvedre, 1.5% viognier. This wine was more upfront and lively, and very enjoyable.

2008 Sine Qua Non The Duel Syrah - 93% syrah, 4% grenache, 3% viognier. Good concentration here, but this was the least enjoyable of the three syrahs.

Full post on dinner is here.