2022 Distenta IV White
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Tasting notes
The 2022 White Wine Distenta IV is a blend of 32% Roussanne, 30% Gelber Muskateller, 15% Chardonnay, 13% Petit Manseng, and the rest Viognier, aged 22.5 months in 75% new French oak. Medium gold in color, it offers blockbuster aromas of honeyed pineapple, orange marmalade, flower oil, and blanched almond. Full-bodied, deep, and opulent on the palate, it has a layered, powerful mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It comes closest in style to a great Hermitage from Le Méal yet carries an exotic quality that makes it truly singular. Drink 2025-2035. 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
Billy Norris, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 White Wine Distenta IV is exuberantly aromatic yet weightless in feel. Orange zest, passion fruit, white peach, lemon curd and starfruit rush from the glass in a display of generosity and finesse. For all its aromatic intensity, it carries a creamy, lees-driven texture that adds depth without heaviness. Jasmine, chalk and a gentle echo of spice linger on the finish, framed by soft acidity. The 2022 spent 22.5 months on its lees with bâtonnage once a week during the first year, building layers of textural suppleness and complexity. Viognier and Gelber Muskateller lead the charge aromatically, imbuing the wine with an intoxicating perfume. The blend is 32% Roussanne, 30% Gelber Muskateller, 15% Chardonnay, 13% Petit Manseng and 10% Viognier.
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.