2022 Sine Qua Non "Distenta IV" California Grenache

“The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV comes from three estate vineyards: 35.3% Eleven Confessions, 35.3% The Third Twin, and 29.4% Cumulus Estate. 78% Grenache is blended with 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah, plus dashes of Muscat and Petit Manseng. The fermentation was performed with 42.9% whole cluster, mainly Grenache. It was aged 23 months in French oak, mostly larger demi-muids, 16.1% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose bursts with a bold perfume of blackberry preserves, juicy blueberries, and black cherries, followed by suggestions of licorice, black pepper, garigue, and dried lavender. The full-bodied palate delivers beautifully ripe yet firm, fine-grained tannins and great tension to support the boisterous fruit layers, finishing very long and fragrant. Give it 3-4 years to tame the fruit and drink it over the next 15-20 years. (LPB)” (09/2024)

“The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV is based on 78% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, and the rest Petite Sirah and white varieties. Vinified with 43% whole clusters and aged 23 months in 16% new French oak, it’s gorgeous stuff that, while showing the ripe side of the vintage, stays light on its feet, elegant, and incredibly seamless. Aromas of black raspberries, Herbes de Provence, sandalwood, and assorted spices all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, sweet yet present tannins, and a great finish.” (09/2025)

“The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV is dense and full-bodied to the core. Rich, creamy and expansive, the 2022 is quite showy today, but all the elements are so well balanced. Bright red/purplish fruit, blood orange, spice, lavender and mocha are all amplified to the maximum. The inclusion of 43% whole clusters adds complexity and nuance without overpowering the wine. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this positively stellar Grenache from Sine Qua Non. The 2021 is 78% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah and 1.7% Muscat and Petit Manseng. (AG)” (08/2024)

“The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV combines nearly equal portions of Eleven Confessions, The Third Twin and Next of Kyn Vineyards. It contains 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah and small amounts of Muscat and Petit Manseng aged for 23 months in 16% new French oak. The nose leads with lavish red-fruited aromas, a pleasant floral lift and touches of crushed stones, dried herbs and bright spices. The palate combines a concentrated core of dense but juicy fruit flavors with deft acidity and a seamless, sophisticated texture. The finish is coiled and latent before unwinding and growing more expansive, detailed and blue-fruited with time in the glass. Once this is released in January 2025, I recommend that fans of this style take advantage of the youthful harmony on display here. (ML)” (08/2024)