2020 Sine Qua Non "Distenta II" Grenache [JD97-100][WA97-99][V94-96]

Producer: Sine Qua Non  
Region: Central Coast, California
Blend: 78% Grenache, 9.4% Mourvèdre, 7.9% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier 
Year: 2020 

Jeb Dunnuck, 97-100 Points

“The 2020 Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta 2 is a blend of mostly 78% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and a tiny splash of Viognier. It’s a ripe, sexy, insanely good barrel sample that has remarkable purity, tons of black raspberry and cassis fruits, perfect balance, full-bodied richness, and an already complex bouquet of violets, spice, and flowers. I continue to be blown away by what this estate seems to achieve with Grenache in just about every vintage.”

Wine Advocate, 97-99 Points

“Still in barrel, the 2020 Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta 2 is a blend of 77.9% Grenache, 9.4% Mourvèdre, 7.9% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier. Fruit comes entirely from the Krankls’ estate vineyards: Eleven Confessions (40%), Cumulus (33%), The Third Twin (21%) and Molly Aïda (6%). It was made with 29% whole clusters, predominantly Grenache. “Ten years ago, I was afraid of whole clusters,” Manfred Krankl recalls. “Now, I quite like it, especially on Grenache, a little less so on Syrah.” Matured about 23 months in 52% new French oak and demi-muids, it has a deep ruby-purple color and slowly opening scents of wild berry jam, burnt orange peel, black tea leaves and coffee beans. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet, with juicy, floral flavors and a dreamy texture woven from loads and loads of super-fine tannins. It’s due to be bottled in the summer of 2022 and will be released in the spring of 2023. Around 1,630 cases and 600 magnums will be made.” 

Vinous, 94-96 Points 

“The 2020 Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta 2 is a powerful, driving wine. In this tasting, the Grenache comes across as a bit compact. I imagine some of the stress of this warm dry season has an impact here, even though the yields were actually on the higher side. It will be interesting to see if this gains a bit more body in aging. All that said, the 2020 finishes with very good freshness.”

Alcohol: 15.9% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.