Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta III 2021

Critical Acclaim: 99 pts Jeb Dunnuck; 99 pts Wine Independent; 99 pts Vinous; 98 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 

Tasting Notes: "Scheduled to be bottled relatively soon, the 2021 Grenache Distenta III (79% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Petite Sirah and a splash of white varieties) offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet pure and elegant profile as well as gorgeous aromatics of ripe darker cherries, blackberries, peppery herbs, violets, and assorted floral nuances. From a cooler year, it still brings beautiful depth and richness, silky tannins, and a great finish."- Jeb Dunnuck. 

"The 2021 Grenache Distenta III is composed of 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng, and 0.4% Muscat. It was made using around 34.7% whole clusters, mainly of the Grenache, and was aged for around 23 months in French oak of various sizes, 42.3% new. The nose leaps with vivacious notes of black cherries, black raspberries, and wild blueberries, leading to suggestions of tar, rose oil, garrigue, bacon fat, and clove oil with a waft of dark chocolate. Big, concentrated, and full-bodied, the palate is jam packed with bright red berry and floral flavors, morphing into serious black and blue fruits, supported by super-plush tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and perfumed."- Wine Independent. 

"The 2021 Grenache Distenta III is one of the most refined wines I have tasted from Sine Qua Non. Floral aromatics make a strong first impression. There's plenty of SQN richness, but also less overt opulence than most vintages. I tasted this from a tank sample just prior to bottling. The 2021 is simply magnificent. I can't wait to taste it from bottle."- Vinous. 

"Because my visit was scheduled for July 6, just two weeks after bottling on June 22, I tasted the 2021 Grenache Distenta III as a precise blend from barrel. It comes mostly from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard (71%) and The Third Twin (23%) with the balance from the Cumulus Vineyard. It is a blend of 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng and 0.4% Muscat. The Distenta III was vinified using about 35% whole Grenache clusters, and it matured in 42% new French oak of various sizes for around 23 months. It has a medium to deep ruby color and is incredibly fragrant at this stage. Wild berry jam aromas are accented by tones of wildflower, tar, tangerine and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet lively, bursting with crunchy, floral fruit and surprisingly energetic acidity. It has detailed, grainy tannins and a long, lifted finish that wears its alcohol well."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 

Varietal: 79% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre; 3% Petite Sirah, and the remainder Petit Manseng and Muscat.