Florida Jim wrote:Salil wrote:The trophy case 'collection' mentality those wines have brought about in some folk ensures they'll keep getting bought. There are some people out there who've put so much money and effort into making sure they own every single bottle and different label of SQN for collectible value that any new release stays in demand, and the mentality spreads. I don't always care for SQN's wines (had one very, very good red some time back, and was indifferent about their other wines) but they definitely know how to market their wines as a collectible commodity. (Of course, favourable press from publications like the Spectator that just reinforce the rarity and must-have factor, and the points from RP don't hurt...)
Agreed;
consumate marketing.Short aside: I was visiting a friend who has most of what they have made and we went to his cellar to pick a wine with dinner. He gave me free choice and was shocked when I did not pick any of the SQNs - and said so.
I blamed it on my wife.
Generosity should not be slapped down.
Best, Jim
Beg to differ, Jim....I don't think it's consumate marketing on Manfred's part. Several (like Time Spears) have tried the SQN biz plan (make small amounts of big/extracted wines, get huge scores from Parker, charge
high prices) and then just stand back and watch the $$'s roll in. That was not the model Manfred had in mind when he started out at Campanile and was making his wines at AdamTolmach's and JohnAlban's. It is
just something that sorta happened to him. I think Manfred has been pretty true to his vision for SQN over the yrs. Growing great grapes (a more recent part of his effort) and making great wine (to his vision) is where
his passion really lies. Having to deal w/ the crazy market and mailing lists and waiting lists is something I'm pretty sure he does
not enjoy.
I've followed the SQN wines from the very start (Queen of Hearts Syrah). Because of their prices, I seldom drink them in the recreational mode. I usually drag one out when I'm trying to make the move
on some hot chick!!
Some of his whites have been a bit weird. I've not cared for most of his roses (at 15%+). But pretty much all of his reds I have liked...quite a lot. They're big wines, pretty extracted, fairly high
in alcohol. But I find them very interesting wines to taste on an intellectual level. I've never had an older one that I thought had really come together beautifully, the tannins had smoothed out, and it had developed the
complexity you look for in a mature wine.
I think one of the attractions many people have to these big/huge wines (forgetting the high scores and the trophy effect) is they're convinced that, because of the extraction level, they will
most certainly evolve
into something great as the tannins mellow out. That certainly appears to be the belief of Monktown attourneys. My experience is not always along those lines and I put much more confidence in the ageibility of
wines of SteveEdmunds, which are just the opposite in style of JohnAlban and Manfred.
Just my thoughts, anyway. Youse gets what youse pay for!!
Tom
Maybe they have changed in style? 
I hope so.