Sine Qua Non Distenta III Syrah 2021

100 points - limited                                               Limited new wine from cult producer Sine Qua Non. 98-100 Points Robert Parker: "I tasted the 2021 Syrah Distenta III as a precise blend from barrel on July 6—it's due to be bottled in August. It comes from three estate vineyards: The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%) and 23% Eleven Confessions (23%). The Syrah is blended with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng and 0.7% Muscat and was vinified using 21% whole clusters. It matured around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43% one- to three-year-old barrels and 4% concrete. Opaque ruby-purple in the glass, the Distenta III's aromatic complexity requires plenty of patience, as a singular truffle, earth and coffee bean character gives way to electric streaks of crème de violette, blueberry liqueur and peppermint patty. The palate is medium to full-bodied and exceptionally light on its feet. It glides silkily through the mouth with fireworks of freshness, and its floral fruit is tempered by graphite tones. Around 1,880 cases and 600 magnums are projected to be released in January of 2024." 99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Scheduled to be bottled in August, the 2021 Syrah Distenta III looks to be another insanely good Syrah from Krankl. Checking in as 82% Syrah, 11% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and a smattering of white varieties, its deep purple hue is followed by classic, cool climate Syrah notes of smoked black fruits, iron, black olives, and meaty, peppery nuances. With incredibly purity, full-bodied richness, and perfectly integrated tannins and acidity, it will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. It's an absolutely magical Syrah in the making." "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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