Sine Qua Non Dirt Vernacular 2016

The Sine Qua Non brand began in 1994 when Austrian emigrant Manfred Krankl arrived in California and became the owner of a modest pastry shop. He managed to settle in California only on his second attempt, and the pastry shop did not bring in much profit. Then he and his wife developed a new hobby — making wine by hand and sharing it with friends. One friend became very fond of the wine Manfred made and wished to purchase it. The first vintage, named "Queen of Spades," was released in limited quantities and created a real sensation. The label was hand-engraved by the owner himself using a special method. Thus, a hobby turned into a profession. "We wanted to make truly delicious and unique wine, different from all others, for true connoisseurs," say Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine. Sine Qua Non wines are still produced in limited quantities today, and they are sought after by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Therefore, there is a special waiting list that anyone can sign up for. Each bottle and each label is still made by Manfred using the linocut method. The great winemaker Robert Parker, upon visiting the winery, which was then located in the backyard of an industrial facility, likened the atmosphere there to the set of a "Mad Max" movie. But this did not prevent the estate's wines from receiving high ratings of 96 points.