Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, United States · United States
2007 Sine Qua Non Dangerous Birds Syrah
Sine Qua Non's 2007 Dangerous Birds Syrah is one of the most opulently crafted Sta. Rita Hills Syraahs ever produced - a full-peak collector's wine in 2026 that rewards the patient.
- Varietal
- Syrah
- Vintage
- 2007
Drinking Window
In 2026: At PeakIn the heart of its drinking window (2020-2035).
Right now: In 2026, the 2007 Sine Qua Non Dangerous Birds Syrah sits firmly within its projected peak window of 2020-2035. At nineteen years from harvest, the seamless, opulent character described at release has deepened into something more complex and multi-dimensional: the initial blueberry, licorice, and fresh leather aromatics are now joined by secondary notes of smoked meat, incense, and a dark mineral depth. The 84% new oak that characterized the wine in youth has fully integrated, contributing a framework rather than dominating the profile. The firm tannins noted at release have resolved into a full-bodied, richly textured palate with remarkable length. Prime drinking, with the window holding through 2030.
Tasting Note
An inky, opaque purple-black in the glass - Sine Qua Non's Syrah shows no significant color evolution at nineteen years. The nose is seamless and richly layered: blueberry compote and fresh leather lead over a bed of licorice and dark spice, with incense, smoked meat, and a brooding mineral depth emerging with aeration. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and commanding; the tannin structure described as firm at release has softened into a richly textured, plush mouthfeel that carries the fruit through an exceptionally long finish. Black pepper and dark spice close with an "amazing, complex finish" that has only gained depth with age.
About Sine Qua Non
Sine Qua Non is Manfred and Elaine Krankl's Ventura County-based operation, universally considered California's most sought-after cult Syrah and Grenache producer. The domaine produces in tiny quantities - typically fewer than 500 cases per bottling - from purchased fruit sourced from specific Santa Barbara County sites. The Dangerous Birds series of Syraahs and Grenaches represents the range at its most concentrated and deliberately aged: 84% new French oak, extensive maceration, and no shortcuts in the cellar. The wines are sold primarily through the domaine's mailing list at release and command extraordinary premiums on the secondary market.
Food Pairings
Slow-roasted lamb leg with Moroccan spice rub
The wine's full body, dark spice, black pepper, and blueberry character align with the aromatic complexity of a spiced lamb; the wine's firm tannins integrate with the lamb's fat.
Grilled duck breast with blackberry reduction
Syrah's blueberry and dark fruit depth find natural affinity with duck; the wine's lengthy, spice-driven finish echoes a blackberry reduction's tartness and depth.
Smoked brisket with espresso crust
The wine's inky depth, licorice, smoked meat, and incense notes harmonize with the smoky, coffee-bitter char of a smoked brisket; the wine's full body stands up to the richness.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 62-65°F (17-18°C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, decant the 2007 Dangerous Birds Syrah at least 90 minutes. Despite nineteen years of age, the wine's full-bodied structure and concentrated profile benefit from extended aeration; the complex aromatic layers take time to fully express and the firm tannin framework opens significantly with air.
- Cellar Storage
- 55°F (13°C), 65% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
Is the 2007 Sine Qua Non Dangerous Birds Syrah at peak in 2026?
Yes — 2026 is within the projected peak window of 2020-2035. The wine has evolved from its initial opulent, oaky youth into a deeply complex, integrated expression with secondary aromatic development. It will continue to drink well through 2030-2032, though the fruit intensity will gradually diminish toward the end of the window.
How does the Dangerous Birds Syrah differ from the Dangerous Birds Grenache?
The Syrah is the more structured and age-requiring of the two 'Dangerous Birds' releases. Syrah's dense tannin structure and savory, peppery character gives it a longer development arc, while the Grenache version — also from the 2007 vintage — is more perfumed and rounder, with a peak window extending to 2038. Both are considered among the finest releases in the series.
What is Sine Qua Non's mailing list, and how does allocation work?
Sine Qua Non sells primarily through a closed mailing list, with allocations offered to existing customers in order of seniority. New customers can register on the waiting list, though wait times of many years are typical for a producer whose wines are among the most sought-after in California. Secondary market prices are significantly above release price.
What score did the 2007 Dangerous Birds Syrah receive?
Sine Qua Non wines are not typically submitted to critics for formal scoring, and the domaine historically declined to participate in Wine Spectator or Wine Advocate tastings. The wines' cult status and collector demand derive from the reputation of the producer and the consistency of the mailing list experience rather than numerical scores.
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