2004 | Sine Qua Non | Covert Fingers

Sine Qua Non is the creation of pioneering winemaker, Manfred Krankl, and is a world-famous cult winery revered for producing miniscule quantities of unique, but astonishingly high quality, wines using estate-grown and purchased fruit from some of the greatest vineyards across the Central Coast. Though production is mostly Syrah- and Grenache-based, there have been some rare releases of singular varietal wines and the 2004 Covert Fingers is 100% Pinot Noir from the cooler climate Arita Hills Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. This is full-bodied, opulent and remarkably elegant, with beautiful savoury complexity also now emerging to complement the delicious dark fruits.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: The 462-case 2004 Pinot Noir Covert Fingers is seamless and elegant, with a ripe, layered profile of sweet cassis, forest floor, licorice and ground herbs. Coming all from the cooler climate Arita Hills Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and completely destemmed, aged in 70% new French oak (the rest in 1-3-year-old barrels), never racked, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it’s a full-bodied, beautiful effort that’s drinking at point. It’s in no danger of falling off a cliff and should continue to shine, although I see no reason to hold off.

• Vinous: Bright red-ruby. Pure, pungent aromas of raspberry and spices; very pinot! Densely packed, supple and sweet, with pure red berry, spice and earth flavors. Has a thickness of texture while retaining verve. Finishes with fine, supple tannins and lovely subtle length. Not as complex as Krankl's top syrahs, but this is delicious, and as graceful a pinot as I recall tasting from this producer. My sample showed even more intense raspberry and spice flavors the second day, without any loss of freshness.

Producer Information

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 cult winery specialises in Rhône grape varieties, with most of the red wines based on Syrah and Grenache. White wines are typically based on Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier and are also modelled after Rhône wines. While most of Sine Qua Non's vineyards are located in Santa Barbara, the home vineyard (and the winery) is located in Oak View. Many of the wines are labeled under the more generic California and Central Coast AVAs, rather than the specific AVAs the vineyards are located in, giving more freedom when it comes to blending.

DISCLAIMER** This is a single item listing unless otherwise noted in the description. Retailer advises either in stock or in route to their location. Usually ships within one to four business days. Longer processing times may occur especially around holiday(s). Some items may become backordered or delayed without notice due to demand & will ship out upon arrival. Overseas 700ml products typically have longer processing/transit times. You can always verify product availability by calling 1-888-548-0333. Please refer to our cancellations & returns agreement or reach out to our support team at help@caskcartel.com for any additional questions.

Our dedicated team specializes in creating personalized shopping experiences. If you’re looking for a specific item or collection that isn’t appearing on our marketplace, please reach out to us at concierge@caskcartel.com or fill out the product inquiry form and one of our dedicated team members will be in touch.  Whether it’s a product you’ve experienced while traveling or a rare, hard to find item you’ve been searching for, we have an established global network of retailers with the ability to locate and source the rarest and hardest to find products.