2009 Sine Qua Non "This Is Not an Exit" Sta. Rita Hills Grenache

Next to the 2010 and 2011 reds, the 2009 Grenache This is Not an Exit comes across as a bit heavy. Black cherries, plums, tar, mocha, new leather, licorice and menthol saturate the palate in an intensely overt, full-throttle Grenache. Today, the 2009 is not as expressive as it has been in the past. It may be that the 34% whole clusters still aren't fully assimilated. I have seen the Sine Qua Non Grenaches develop beautifully with time in bottle but today, the 2009 isn't ready to show all of its cards. 94+ (AG)