2021 Sine Qua Non "Distenta III" California Syrah

“I tasted the 2021 Syrah Distenta III as a precise blend from barrel on July 6—it's due to be bottled in August. It comes from three estate vineyards: The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%) and 23% Eleven Confessions (23%). The Syrah is blended with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng and 0.7% Muscat and was vinified using 21% whole clusters. It matured around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43% one- to three-year-old barrels and 4% concrete. Opaque ruby-purple in the glass, the Distenta III's aromatic complexity requires plenty of patience, as a singular truffle, earth and coffee bean character gives way to electric streaks of crème de violette, blueberry liqueur and peppermint patty. The palate is medium to full-bodied and exceptionally light on its feet. It glides silkily through the mouth with fireworks of freshness, and its floral fruit is tempered by graphite tones. (EB)” (08/2023)

“The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is sourced from The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%), and Eleven Confessions (23%) vineyards. The blend is 81.7% Syrah with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvedre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng, and 0.7% Muscat. It was made using 21% whole clusters and then aged around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43.1% one- to three-year-old barrels, and 3.9% concrete. Deep purple-black colored, it needs some coaxing and swirling before the nose erupts with a mushroom cloud of blackberry preserves, kirsch, and red roses scents, giving way to hints of bacon fat, tar, and espresso, plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, the palate is incredibly bright and vibrant with beautifully defined black and red fruit flavor layers, supported by very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and shimmery. Stunning. (LPB)” (09/2024)

“The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is another magnificent offering in this great vintage. A wine of penetrating depth and vibrancy, the 2021 explodes onto the palate with copious dark fruit, new leather, licorice and spice. It possesses statuesque energy and pedigree to burn. The Distenta III is one of my favorite recent SQN wines. The blend is 81.7% Syrah, 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah and 1.6% Muscat and Petit Manseng. (AG)” (08/2024)

“A great example of the cooler style of the vintage, the 2021 Syrah Distenta III has quintessential Syrah notes of ripe darker berry fruits, ground pepper, violets, and assorted smoky, meaty, subtly bloody-like nuances. With medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, and ultra-fine tannins, it picks up a beautiful floral character with time in the glass and reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal's Côte Rôtie La Mouline. Give bottles 4-5 years if you can, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. The 2021 is 82% Syrah and 11% Grenache, with the balance Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and white varieties. It was fermented with 21% while clusters and spent 23 months in 53% new French oak. (JD) 97+” (08/2024)