This is where wine truly becomes art.
At its heart, Sine Qua Non - literally “without which, not”, a Latin phrase expressing the necessity of one thing in order for another to exist - embodies a singular philosophy: wine should be more than just tasted; it should be felt, collected and pondered. Founded in 1994 by Manfred and Elaine Krankl on California’s Central Coast, SQN has achieved near-mythic status among collectors thanks to its tiny production, Rhôneyard blends and downright irresistible personality.
For the devoted and the curious alike, these aren’t just bottles - they are stories. Each release wears its own identity: unique blends, bespoke labels, oddball names, and a dedication to expression over convention that borders on obsessive. These are wines that prompt conversation long after the last sip.
Rarity is not a marketing line for Sine Qua Non, it is structural to how the wines exist. Production is minuscule, allocations are tightly controlled through a famously guarded mailing list, and many cuvées never reach the open market at all. In London, the prestige is so widely recognised that Hedonism Wines dedicates an entire room to Sine Qua Non alone, a physical acknowledgement that this is not simply another producer, but a category in its own right. Decades of cult following, critic reverence, and relentless originality have elevated SQN into a status where collectors do not ask if they should own it, but which releases they are fortunate enough to secure.
The 2013 Sine Qua Non Male / Female Assortment Case captures this ethos beautifully. Syrah and Grenache, the yin and yang of Rhôneyard craft, come together in dialogue: strength balanced with grace, richness countered with agility. In each bottle, you’ll find both contrast and harmony, the tangible chemistry that defines SQN’s greatest duo bottlings. One exists in balance of the other, different but equal.
Likewise, the 2011 Sine Qua Non Dark Blossom Assortment Case is a testament to the Krankls’ capacity to weave complexity with pure pleasure. Deep, layered and aromatic, Dark Blossom presents a tapestry of blackcurrant, spice and wild herb - evocative of the rugged beauty of California’s sun-kissed vineyards, and undeniably thrilling in its intensity.
At CB Uncorked we love exploring wines that transcend the ordinary. These SQN duo cases aren’t just about two bottles, they celebrate the poetry of pairs: balance and tension, yin and yang, art and nature. These are wines that reward contemplation, conversation and careful cellar patience in equal measure.
Whether you’re deepening a collection or marking a moment, these Sine Qua Non assortment cases serve as both statement and story, indispensable chapters in the library of any serious cellar.
Shop our range of assortment cases below…
