2022 Sine Qua Non "Distenta IV" California Syrah

“Incorporating 6% Grenache, 5% Petite Sirah, 3% Mourvèdre, and 3% white varieties, the 2022 Syrah Distenta IV is another ripe, layered, full-bodied 2022 that’s going to deliver the goods. Ample blue fruits, kirsch liqueur, pepper, and tons of spicy notes all shine here, and this puppy has a layered, velvety mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and awesome length. It's going to shine right out of the gate and is a good counterpoint to the more focused, cooler styled 2021s.” (08/2024)

“The 2022 Syrah Distenta IV comes from three estate vineyards: 45% Eleven Confessions, 36% The Third Twin, and 19% Cumulus Estate. It is a blend of 82.7% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 5% Petite Sirah, 3.3% Mourvèdre, and dollops of Petit Manseng and Muscat. It was fermented with 31% whole clusters and was matured for 23 months in French oak, 56.2% new. Opaque purple-black in color, it prances out of the glass with gregarious notes of black cherry compote, lilacs, licorice, and raspberry coulis, followed by hints of blood orange and menthol. The full-bodied palate has a firm backbone of beautifully ripe, rounded tannins and excellent tension to support the dense, muscular black fruits, finishing with lingering minerals and peppery sparks. (LPB)” (09/2024)

“The 2022 Syrah Distenta IV is a potent, tightly wound wine. Interestingly, the Syrah is also much less accessible than the Grenache in this vintage. Readers will have to be patient with the Distenta IV as it is not all forthcoming, its notable textural richness notwithstanding. I tasted the 2022 from a sample prepared just prior to bottling. I expect the finished wine to be more giving. Dollops of Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Muscat and Petit Manseng round out the blend. (AG) 96+” (08/2024)