Sine Qua Non
Dangerous Birds Grenache
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, United States
2007
Vintage
Varietal
Grenache
ABV
Where it is, June 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2022-2038).
In 2026, the 2007 Sine Qua Non Dangerous Birds Grenache is at peak, with the window projected to run from 2022 through 2038. At nineteen years from harvest, the wine has evolved from its initial explosive, inky youth into a more layered and complex expression: the high-pitched raspberry and cherry pit that defined its early aromatic profile have deepened into a richer, more integrated dark fruit character, while the allspice, clove, and rose pastille notes now emerge more prominently with aeration. The massive mouthfeel described at release remains, but the tannins - Grenache's tend to be supple - have integrated into a stunning texture that is among the most compelling of any California wine at this age. Hold or drink with confidence through 2030.
The ‘07 Dangerous Birds Grenache.
Sine Qua Non's 2007 Dangerous Birds Grenache is a massively structured California Grenache from one of the state's most coveted cult producers - at peak in 2026.
Drinking window
Tasting note
A deep, inky ruby with exceptional color saturation that belies the wine's age. The nose opens with high-pitched aromatics: ripe raspberry, cherry pit, and rose pastille leading over allspice and clove, with hints of dark incense and roasted herb developing with aeration. On the palate, the wine delivers on the extraordinary reputation of this bottling: full-bodied, with a massive mouthfeel anchored by Grenache's naturally supple, seamless tannins. Sweet red fruit and licorice carry across the mid-palate, supported by a structural freshness that provides definition through the remarkably long finish. The "stunning texture and length" noted at release remains fully intact at nineteen years.
The 2007 vintage
The 2007 Sta. Rita Hills growing season is considered one of the finest in the appellation's short history. The distinctive east-west mountain corridor that channels cool Pacific air into the vineyards moderated temperatures throughout the summer, preserving the natural acidity and aromatic precision that distinguishes Sta. Rita Hills from warmer Santa Barbara County sites. For Grenache specifically, the extended, cool growing season delivered perfect phenolic ripeness without the excessive alcohol or jammy character that warmer years can produce - a particularly important quality for a variety that can easily tip into overripeness in California conditions. No fire or heat events disrupted the 2007 vintage for the region.
About Sine Qua Non
Sine Qua Non is Manfred and Elaine Krankl's Ventura County-based cult operation, producing tiny quantities of Syrah and Grenache from carefully selected Santa Barbara County vineyards. The domaine is famous for a different label and wine name with every release, and for a winemaking approach that is uncompromisingly committed to extraction and new oak - the Dangerous Birds Grenache is vinified with the same intensity and new barrel commitment as the Syrah. Production is allocated through a closed mailing list; secondary market prices reflect the wine's extreme collectibility and the brevity of its annual production.
From the cellar: pair with
Rack of lamb with lavender and thyme
Grenache's sweet red fruit, allspice, and rose pastille character have a classical affinity with herb-crusted lamb; the wine's supple tannins integrate cleanly with the meat's moderate fat.
Duck magret with cherry gastrique
The wine's high-pitched raspberry and cherry character align with a cherry-based reduction, while Grenache's supple structure keeps the pairing bright and harmonious rather than heavy.
Slow-braised pork shoulder with dried fruit and spice
The wine's clove, allspice, and dark fruit depth weave naturally through spiced braised pork; the wine's full body matches the richness of a long-cooked shoulder preparation.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 62-65°F (17-18°C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, decant the 2007 Dangerous Birds Grenache 60-90 minutes. Despite Grenache's naturally supple tannins, the wine's full-bodied concentration and complex aromatic layers benefit from extended aeration; the high-pitched fruit and spice character evolves and deepens significantly with 45-60 minutes of air.
- Cellar Storage
- 55°F (13°C), 65% humidity, bottle on its side.
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
More from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, United States
Frequently Asked
Is the 2007 Sine Qua Non Dangerous Birds Grenache at peak in 2026?
Yes — the wine is projected at peak from 2022 through 2038, and 2026 is a prime year to open it. At nineteen years, the massive mouthfeel and stunning texture remain fully intact, with the high-pitched fruit and spice aromatics now joined by additional complexity from bottle development. No urgency to open, but no reason to hold further if the goal is drinking at peak.
How does the Dangerous Birds Grenache differ from the Dangerous Birds Syrah?
The Grenache is more perfumed, rounder, and has a longer projected peak window (to 2038) compared to the Syrah (to 2035). Grenache naturally produces suppler, more texturally giving tannins than Syrah, resulting in a more approachable and voluptuous mouthfeel. The Syrah is more structured and brooding; the Grenache is more opulent and aromatic.
How does Sine Qua Non allocate their wines?
Sine Qua Non sells exclusively through a closed mailing list. New buyers must register and join a waiting list; allocations are offered annually to existing customers in order of seniority. The wines are not sold through retail channels. Secondary market prices are substantially above original release prices, often trading at several times the mailing list cost.
What cellaring conditions does this wine require?
The 2007 Dangerous Birds Grenache should be stored at 55°F (13°C) with 65-70% humidity, on its side in a vibration-free environment. The wine's projected peak window runs to 2038, and proper storage conditions will protect its remaining decade-plus of development potential.