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Preliminary identification

Sine Qua Non 'The Pinot' Pinot Noir Large Format Bottle, 2001

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

An exceptionally rare, large-format bottle of Sine Qua Non's legendary 'The Pinot' Pinot Noir, crafted by cult winemaker Manfred Krankl. Known for its striking, original artwork on the label and incredibly limited production, this bottle represents the pinnacle of California cult winemaking history.

Story

In 2001, winemaker Manfred Krankl sourced fruit from the legendary Shea Vineyard in Oregon to create 'The Pinot'. This bottle represents a fleeting moment in wine history before the winery focused almost exclusively on Rhône varietals.

Maker / Origin

Sine Qua Non was founded in 1994 by Manfred and Elaine Krankl with a philosophy of absolute individuality. Every single vintage is given a unique name, a completely custom-designed label featuring Manfred's own provocative artwork, and a distinct blend, making each release a one-time-only artistic statement.

Condition & Value

The bottle appears to be in excellent physical condition with a clean, intact label and a high fill level. Because wine is a perishable collectible, the value is heavily dependent on proof of continuous, temperature-controlled cellar storage. Standard 750ml bottles of the 2001 'The Pinot' regularly fetch $700 to $1,200 at auction.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.