2020 Distenta 1 Syrah

A wine that just about tops out the scale, the 2020 Syrah Distenta II (83% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, and the balance Petite Sirah and mixed whites) is a more exuberant, spicy, incredibly complex Syrah offering assorted red and black fruits, ground pepper, flowery incense, tobacco, and cured meat nuances in its full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, layered, elegant style. Coming 43% from the Third Twin, 33% Eleven Confessions, 21% Cumulus, and the rest from the Molly Aida vineyards (all of which are estate), it saw slightly less whole clusters compared to the 2021 and spent 23 months in 66% new French oak. Anyone questioning the genius of Manfred Krankl needs to taste this wine. Looking at the new vintages reviewed here, the 2021s come from a cooler, even, balanced year and actually share a similar profile with the 2019s. These are still classic Sine Qua Non releases, but there’s clearly a fresher, elegant vibe, and the wines are flawlessly balanced. In comparison, the 2020s come across as bigger, richer wines that have tons of sexy opulence and richness. I was able to taste the two longer élevage Eleven Confession Vineyard releases from 2019, and these are absolutely captivating wines I wish every reader could taste. As I said above, there are lots of similarities to the 2021s here, and the wines have a beautiful purity and elegance about them without sacrificing depth or richness.

The 2020 Syrah Distenta II, bottled in late July of 2022, is beginning to tighten ever-so-slightly since I last tasted it in early 2023, although its merits as an archetypal Syrah are still on display. It incorporates fruit from all four estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (33%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%). It's blended with 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, was vinified using 16% whole clusters and matured for around 23 months in 66% new French oak barrels. It has a deep ruby color and heart-stopping aromas of blackcurrants, violets, bitter chocolate and coffee grounds, which blossom over time to tones of prosciutto and mint. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet nuanced with a harmonious balance of powdery tannins and refreshing acidity, and it wears its alcohol expertly. It has a long finish that hints at more savory character to come, but it will require plenty of time in the bottle. 2,000 cases and 600 magnums were made.

Tons of red, blue, and black fruits as well as peppery herbs and liquid violet-like nuances emerge from the 2020 Syrah Distenta II, a full-bodied, concentrated, remarkably balanced barrel sample that's based on 83% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Muscat, and Petit Manseng. I love its mid-palate, it has ripe, sweet tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's unquestionably a brilliant wine in the making. I’ve been visiting with Sine Qua Non for a decade now, and I never cease to be amazed at the quality consistently coming from this address. In addition, Krankl somehow manages to deliver brilliance with just about any variety out there, and whether it’s Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional, Roussanne, or even Petit Manseng, you can expect a truly riveting wine, as well as a wine with singular characteristics. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, particularly for those who don’t drink the wines often, to assume all California cult wines are over-ripe or heavy. The reality, however, couldn’t be more different, and great wines deliver intensity and depth while staying light on their feet and elegant. And these latest releases from Sine Qua Non are great wines.