2022 Distenta 4 Grenache
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV is based on 78% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, and the rest Petite Sirah and white varieties. Vinified with 43% whole clusters and aged 23 months in 16% new French oak, it’s gorgeous stuff that, while showing the ripe side of the vintage, stays light on its feet, elegant, and incredibly seamless. Aromas of black raspberries, herbes de Provence, sandalwood, and assorted spices all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, sweet yet present tannins, and a great finish. It needs plenty of air today but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and should cruise gracefully for two decades beyond that. Drink 2029-2045. The latest releases from Manfred and Elaine Krankl at Sine Qua Non show once again why this estate remains at the very top of California wine, and I always leave my tastings here utterly floored by what they consistently put in bottle. Looking at the wines reviewed here, the 2021s come from a hot, dry drought year that produced structured, concentrated wines reminiscent of 2010, 2013, and maybe even 2018. These are built for the cellar. The 2022s are riper and more extroverted, bringing to mind a slightly less concentrated version of the 2009s, 2012s, or 2019s. Drink these while you wait on the 2021s. The estate has also performed well in the cooler, longer 2023 growing season, with wines that are inky hued, concentrated, and nicely structured, yet supple enough to show well right out of the gate.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV combines nearly equal portions of Eleven Confessions, The Third Twin and Next of Kyn Vineyards. It contains 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah and small amounts of Muscat and Petit Manseng aged for 23 months in 16% new French oak. The nose leads with lavish red-fruited aromas, a pleasant floral lift and touches of crushed stones, dried herbs and bright spices. The palate combines a concentrated core of dense but juicy fruit flavors with deft acidity and a seamless, sophisticated texture. The finish is coiled and latent before unwinding and growing more expansive, detailed and blue-fruited with time in the glass. Once this is released in January 2025, I recommend that fans of this style take advantage of the youthful harmony on display here.
The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV is dense and full-bodied to the core. Rich, creamy and expansive, the 2022 is quite showy today, but all the elements are so well balanced. Bright red/purplish fruit, blood orange, spice, lavender and mocha are all amplified to the maximum. The inclusion of 43% whole clusters adds complexity and nuance without overpowering the wine. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this positively stellar Grenache from Sine Qua Non. The 2021 is 78% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah and 1.7% Muscat and Petit Manseng.
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.