Ratings & Tasting Notes:
98 points Vinous
“Bottled only three weeks before this tasting, the 2023 Grenache Distenta V is deeply aromatic and exquisitely pure, a wine of both sensuality and structure. Crushed stones, gravel and graphite infuse the palate with mineral intensity, while lavender, blood orange and macerated cherry notes quietly build layers of nuance. A spine of fine tannin carries the 2023 through a taut, finely chiseled finish, accentuated by the inclusion of 25% whole clusters that bring attractive spice. Elegant, persistent and beautifully integrated, this is a Grenache of clarity and poise. The blend is 81.8% Grenache, 8.6% Mourvèdre, 7.7% Syrah, 1.3% Muscat and 0.6% Petit Manseng.”
97-99 points Jeb Dunnuck
“Based on 81.8% Grenache, 8.6% Mourvèdre, 7.7% Syrah, and the rest white varieties, the 2023 Grenache Distenta V will spend 23 months in 58% new French oak, with the balance in demi-muids and used barrels. Ripe black raspberries, black cherries, roasted herbs, graphite, and peppery, spicy notes all define the aromatics. It’s full-bodied, round, layered, and has incredible purity. This is a killer wine in the making.”
Cult Wines International Notes:
Sine Qua Non is the iconic creation of Manfred and Elaine Krankl, who founded the winery in 1994 with a commitment to artistic expression and a refusal to repeat themselves. Based in Ventura, California, the winery is world-renowned for its “Rhône-style” blends and its unique philosophy of changing every wine’s name, label, and bottle shape with each new vintage. The “Distenta” series, which began in 2019, represents the estate’s focused evolution toward utilizing primarily estate-grown fruit from their four distinct vineyards: Eleven Confessions, Cumulus, The Third Twin, and Molly Aïda. By 2023, the Krankls had further refined their meticulous approach, utilizing gravity-flow winemaking, native yeast fermentations, and extended aging in a variety of French oak vessels to create a Grenache that is celebrated for its ethereal texture and profound aromatic complexity.
The 2023 growing season in the Central Coast was a dramatic departure from the previous decade of drought, characterized by a cool, wet winter and an exceptionally late spring. This led to a delayed bud break and a slow, steady flowering period, signaling a late-harvest year. The summer months remained unseasonably mild, avoiding the intense heat spikes that can often lead to high sugars before phenolic ripeness is achieved. For the estate’s Grenache plots, this elongated “hang time” was a blessing, allowing the fruit to develop deep, nuanced flavors and refined tannins while maintaining a vibrant natural acidity. Harvesting occurred well into October under perfect conditions, yielding a 2023 Distenta Grenache with incredible purity and a balanced structural intensity that reflects one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in recent California history.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.
Condition:
Outstanding condition.
Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images.
