2020 Sine Qua Non "Distenta II" California Syrah

“A wine that just about tops out the scale, the 2020 Syrah Distenta II (83% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, and the balance Petite Sirah and mixed whites) is a more exuberant, spicy, incredibly complex Syrah offering assorted red and black fruits, ground pepper, flowery incense, tobacco, and cured meat nuances in its full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, layered, elegant style. Coming 43% from the Third Twin, 33% Eleven Confessions, 21% Cumulus, and the rest from the Molly Aida vineyards (all of which are estate), it saw slightly less whole clusters compared to the 2021 and spent 23 months in 66% new French oak. Anyone questioning the genius of Manfred Krankl needs to taste this wine.” (08/2023)

“The 2020 Syrah Distenta II is a blend of 82.9% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvedre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat, and 0.8% Petit Manseng. The vineyard sources are The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (32%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%)—all estate-owned vineyards. The fermentation included 16% whole clusters, and it was aged for 23 months in 66% new French oak. Gregarious scents of charcoal, lilacs, licorice, and boysenberry preserves swan out of the glass, giving way to hints of wild sage, fragrant earth, and tapenade. The full-bodied palate is bright, pure, and shimmery, delivering a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and minerally. (LPB)” (08/2023)

“The 2020 Syrah Distenta II, bottled in late July of 2022, is beginning to tighten ever-so-slightly since I last tasted it in early 2023, although its merits as an archetypal Syrah are still on display. It incorporates fruit from all four estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (33%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%). It's blended with 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, was vinified using 16% whole clusters and matured for around 23 months in 66% new French oak barrels. It has a deep ruby color and heart-stopping aromas of blackcurrants, violets, bitter chocolate and coffee grounds, which blossom over time to tones of prosciutto and mint. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet nuanced with a harmonious balance of powdery tannins and refreshing acidity, and it wears its alcohol expertly. It has a long finish that hints at more savory character to come, but it will require plenty of time in the bottle. 2,000 cases and 600 magnums were made. (EB) 98+” (08/2023)

“The 2020 Syrah Distenta II is outrageously beautiful. Dark and enveloping, the 2020 offers up compelling aromatics, dark, almost somber fruit, and exceptional balance. Broad, chocolatey tannins wrap it all together. Readers will find a super-classic Sine Qua Non Syrah. (AG)” (09/2023)