Sine Qua Non "Distenta II" Syrah 2020

100 points - limited                                               Limited new wine from cult producer Sine Qua Non. 99 Points Robert Parker: "Still in barrel, the 2020 Syrah Distenta 11 is a blend of 82.9% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah and 2.3% white (1.5% Muskat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, to be precise). It comes entirely from estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (32%), Cumulus (21%) and Molly Aïda (3%). It was fermented with 16% whole clusters and matured for about 23 months in 66% new French oak. "I like whole cluster less on Syrah," Manfred Krankl explains. "It can be more herbal. But these 2020s are much more fleshy and unctuous, so it shows better." Opaque purple black in color, it features aromas of cassis and blueberries, charcuterie, lavender and coffee beans, changing continually as it spends time in the glass. The full-bodied palate boasts tremendous floral perfume, a frame of rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. I tasted this on May 24, 2022; it is due to be bottled in August of 2022." 98 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Syrah Distente 1 is a powerhouse. Blackberry jam, chocolate, gravel, spice and leather build in a deep, brooding Syrah that will require a number of years in bottle. Interestingly, the Grenache is so sensual in 2019, while the Syrah is a tannic behemoth" "There are few greater success stories in wine than that of Sine Qua Non’s Manfred Krankl. Austrian-born and showing up penniless in Los Angeles in 1980, he went on to create one of the greatest wine estates in the world today by sheer talent and work ethic."

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