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)

I first tasted the Grenache Distenta II from bottle at the beginning of 2023. It has barely budged in the interim and feels expectant, its youthfully compact character waiting patiently to blossom. It comes from all four estate vineyards: Eleven Confessions (40%), Cumulus (33%), The Third Twin (21%) and Molly Aïda (6%). A blend of 77.9% Grenache, 9.4% Mourvèdre, 7.9% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier, it was vinified using 29% whole clusters (mainly from Grenache) and matured for around 23 months in 52% new French oak of various sizes. Medium ruby in color, it takes plenty of time to unwind in the glass, segueing from streaks of coffee, peppercorn, garrigue and bresaola to a deep core of berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate sits on a razor's edge of concentration and weight, with floral and citrus-tinged fruit, fireworks of fresh acidity and the characteristic, silky smooth texture that's so impressive in the Sine Qua Non wines. (EB)

The 2020 Grenache Distenta II is a dense, powerful wine. A blast of dark cherry, plum, espresso, menthol, licorice and cloves hits the palate. This rich, heady Grenache delivers the goods. In a vintage that was so hard for Grenache, Elaine and Manfred Krankl found the way to craft a memorable wine. All this needs is time. (AG)