2020 Sine Qua Non "Distenta II" California Grenache

Tasted out of bottle, the 2020 Grenache Distenta II is total blockbuster stuff that's darker and richer than the 2021. Red and black fruits, white pepper, classy leather, and spicy baking chocolate-like nuances all define the aromatics, and it’s deep, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, with gorgeous tannins and a great finish. The blend is 78% Grenache, 9% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah (with a splash of Viognier), and it's going to knock your socks off any time over the coming 15+ years.

The 2020 Grenache Distenta II is a blend of 77.9% Grenache, 9.4% Mourvedre, 7.9% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah, and 0.5% Viognier. The vineyard sources are Eleven Confessions (40%), Cumulus (33%), The Third Twin (21%), and Molly Aïda (6%)—all estate-owned vineyards. The fermentation included 29.1% of whole clusters. It was aged for around 23 months in French oak barrels of various sizes, 52.1% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, gregarious notes of ripe black plums, blackberry pie, and charcoal jump from the glass, giving way to the perfume of violets, cinnamon toast, and fertile loam with a touch of underbrush. The palate is bold, super-concentrated, full-bodied and impactful, delivering fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy. (LPB)