2018 Sine Qua Non

Squeezebox - Ziehharmonika

Syrah

America / California / Central Coast  / Santa Rita Hills

$265
JD 99
RP 99
V 98
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 1

Available: Magnum Box Set of 2018 Sine Qua Non 'Profuga' Grenache & 'Squeezebox - Ziehharmonika' Syrah

2018 Sine Qua Non Squeezebox – Visionary California Syrah

The 2018 Sine Qua Non “Squeezebox – Ziehharmonika” Syrah is a remarkable expression from one of California’s most visionary producers. Manfred Krankl’s Sine Qua Non is renowned for crafting wines of individuality and artistry, and the 2018 Squeezebox reflects this ethos with power, elegance, and complexity. With its limited release and cult following, it stands among the most collectible California Cult Wines.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with seductive aromas of blackberry compote, blueberry, and violets, accented by notes of smoked meats, licorice, and cracked pepper. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, offering layers of dark fruit, tar, and spice, framed by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is expansive and enduring, showcasing both intensity and refinement.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

The 2018 Squeezebox Syrah is composed primarily of Syrah, blended with small amounts of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and other Rhône varietals. Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Ventura County and Santa Barbara, where cool-climate conditions enhance aromatic lift and structure. The wine is aged for nearly two years in French oak barrels, a significant portion new, to achieve depth and polish.

Investment & Collectibility

Sine Qua Non releases are produced in extremely limited quantities, each bottle a numbered piece of vinous art. The 2018 Squeezebox has quickly gained acclaim among collectors for its power, rarity, and long-term aging potential. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Specifics & Accolades

The 2018 California vintage offered a long, even growing season that allowed for slow ripening and superb balance. Wines from this year are defined by purity, freshness, and layered complexity—attributes on full display in Squeezebox.

  • 99 pointsRobert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 97 pointsVinous
  • 96 pointsWine Spectator

Explore Related Collections

JD 99

Jeb Dunnuck

Checking in as 82% Syrah, 6.7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Petite Sirah and Grenache, the 2018 Syrah Ziehharmonika was largely destemmed and brought up in 51% new French oak. Gorgeous crème de cassis, smoked game, bacon fat, and spring flower notes all soar from the glass of this beauty, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, and a rare mix of richness and freshness. Unquestionably made in a more restrained, elegant style compared to a decade ago, it nevertheless is flawlessly balanced, has awesome tannins, and is just another magical wine from this address that's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue date: August 26 2021. Drinking window: 2024 - 2046.
RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Syrah Ziehharmonika is composed of 82% Syrah, 6.7% Mourvedre, 5% Petite Sirah, 2.3% Grenache, 2.7% Viognier and 1.3% Muscat. “I think Muscat is the number one white grape for me to blend with reds,” Manfred said. “It kinda triples the effect of the wine.” The red winemaking included 14% whole cluster. The vineyard sources for this wine are 51% The Third Twin, 43% Eleven Confessions and 6% Cumulus - all estate owned vineyards. The wine was bottled in August 2020, after 23.5 months of aging. It was reared in 51% new French oak, 46% in used barrels and 3% in terracotta. (The terracotta is only use for whites.) Medium to deep garnet-purple colored—WOW—perfumed black and blue fruits prance out of the glass, revealing accents of candied violets and cinnamon stick, supporting the plum preserves, blackberry compote and garrigue-scented core, plus hints of molten dark chocolate, licorice, Chinese five spice and bacon with a touch of iron ore. The densely laden, full-bodied palate is seriously showy, featuring flamboyant black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers with a solid backbone of ripe, rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth, pepper and floral fireworks. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue date: August 19 2021. Drinking window: 2023 - 2050.
V 98

Vinous

The 2018 Syrah Ziehharmonika is every bit as captivating from bottle as it was in barrel. In this tasting, the Ziehharmonika stands out for its soaring aromatic complexity and character. Black pepper, lavender, mint, spice and blueberry add a striking upper register of aromatics. Vivid and wonderfully deep, the 2018 is going to need a number of years to come into its own. What a wine! Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: June 2021. Drinking window: 2026 - 2038.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
JD 99

Jeb Dunnuck

Checking in as 82% Syrah, 6.7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Petite Sirah and Grenache, the 2018 Syrah Ziehharmonika was largely destemmed and brought up in 51% new French oak. Gorgeous crème de cassis, smoked game, bacon fat, and spring flower notes all soar from the glass of this beauty, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, and a rare mix of richness and freshness. Unquestionably made in a more restrained, elegant style compared to a decade ago, it nevertheless is flawlessly balanced, has awesome tannins, and is just another magical wine from this address that's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue date: August 26 2021. Drinking window: 2024 - 2046.
RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Syrah Ziehharmonika is composed of 82% Syrah, 6.7% Mourvedre, 5% Petite Sirah, 2.3% Grenache, 2.7% Viognier and 1.3% Muscat. “I think Muscat is the number one white grape for me to blend with reds,” Manfred said. “It kinda triples the effect of the wine.” The red winemaking included 14% whole cluster. The vineyard sources for this wine are 51% The Third Twin, 43% Eleven Confessions and 6% Cumulus - all estate owned vineyards. The wine was bottled in August 2020, after 23.5 months of aging. It was reared in 51% new French oak, 46% in used barrels and 3% in terracotta. (The terracotta is only use for whites.) Medium to deep garnet-purple colored—WOW—perfumed black and blue fruits prance out of the glass, revealing accents of candied violets and cinnamon stick, supporting the plum preserves, blackberry compote and garrigue-scented core, plus hints of molten dark chocolate, licorice, Chinese five spice and bacon with a touch of iron ore. The densely laden, full-bodied palate is seriously showy, featuring flamboyant black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers with a solid backbone of ripe, rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth, pepper and floral fireworks. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue date: August 19 2021. Drinking window: 2023 - 2050.
V 98

Vinous

The 2018 Syrah Ziehharmonika is every bit as captivating from bottle as it was in barrel. In this tasting, the Ziehharmonika stands out for its soaring aromatic complexity and character. Black pepper, lavender, mint, spice and blueberry add a striking upper register of aromatics. Vivid and wonderfully deep, the 2018 is going to need a number of years to come into its own. What a wine! Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: June 2021. Drinking window: 2026 - 2038.

2018 Sine Qua Non Squeezebox – Visionary California Syrah

The 2018 Sine Qua Non “Squeezebox – Ziehharmonika” Syrah is a remarkable expression from one of California’s most visionary producers. Manfred Krankl’s Sine Qua Non is renowned for crafting wines of individuality and artistry, and the 2018 Squeezebox reflects this ethos with power, elegance, and complexity. With its limited release and cult following, it stands among the most collectible California Cult Wines.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with seductive aromas of blackberry compote, blueberry, and violets, accented by notes of smoked meats, licorice, and cracked pepper. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, offering layers of dark fruit, tar, and spice, framed by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is expansive and enduring, showcasing both intensity and refinement.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

The 2018 Squeezebox Syrah is composed primarily of Syrah, blended with small amounts of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and other Rhône varietals. Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Ventura County and Santa Barbara, where cool-climate conditions enhance aromatic lift and structure. The wine is aged for nearly two years in French oak barrels, a significant portion new, to achieve depth and polish.

Investment & Collectibility

Sine Qua Non releases are produced in extremely limited quantities, each bottle a numbered piece of vinous art. The 2018 Squeezebox has quickly gained acclaim among collectors for its power, rarity, and long-term aging potential. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Specifics & Accolades

The 2018 California vintage offered a long, even growing season that allowed for slow ripening and superb balance. Wines from this year are defined by purity, freshness, and layered complexity—attributes on full display in Squeezebox.

  • 99 pointsRobert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 97 pointsVinous
  • 96 pointsWine Spectator

Explore Related Collections

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