Ratings & Tasting Notes:

100 points The Wine Independent
Review Date: 09/2024
The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is sourced from The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%), and Eleven Confessions (23%) vineyards. The blend is 81.7% Syrah with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvedre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng, and 0.7% Muscat. It was made using 21% whole clusters and then aged around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43.1% one- to three-year-old barrels, and 3.9% concrete. Deep purple-black colored, it needs some coaxing and swirling before the nose erupts with a mushroom cloud of blackberry preserves, kirsch, and red roses scents, giving way to hints of bacon fat, tar, and espresso, plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, the palate is incredibly bright and vibrant with beautifully defined black and red fruit flavor layers, supported by very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and shimmery. Stunning. (LPB)

98-100 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 08/2023
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. (EB)

98 points Vinous
Review Date: 08/2024
The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is another magnificent offering in this great vintage. A wine of penetrating depth and vibrancy, the 2021 explodes onto the palate with copious dark fruit, new leather, licorice and spice. It possesses statuesque energy and pedigree to burn. The Distenta III is one of my favorite recent SQN wines. The blend is 81.7% Syrah, 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah and 1.6% Muscat and Petit Manseng. (AG)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Founded in 1994 by Manfred and Elaine Krankl, Sine Qua Non has ascended to legendary status as one of California’s most provocative and sought-after “cult” estates. Operating out of a minimalist winery in Ventura, the Krankls rejected the traditional Napa model of consistent brand labeling, instead choosing to rename and redesign every single wine each vintage. This philosophy emphasizes that wine is a living art form, dictated by the unique soul of the growing season rather than a repeatable formula. Primarily sourcing fruit from their meticulously farmed estate vineyards—The Third Twin, Cumulus, Eleven Confessions, and Molly Aïda—Sine Qua Non focuses on Rhône varietals, pushing the boundaries of concentration, texture, and aromatic complexity. The “Distenta” series represents a more recent evolution in their portfolio, continuing the tradition of profound, barrel-aged Syrah and Grenache that possess incredible longevity and a signature “viscous” mouthfeel.

The 2021 vintage in the Central Coast, and specifically within the pocketed microclimates of Sine Qua Non’s estate blocks, is widely regarded as a benchmark year for structural elegance and aromatic purity. Following a dry winter, the growing season was defined by remarkably steady, moderate temperatures and a lack of extreme heat spikes, allowing for an exceptionally long “hang time.” This slow maturation was ideal for Syrah, enabling the fruit to develop deep phenolic ripeness and savory complexity without sacrificing the vibrant natural acidity that provides balance. The 2021 Distenta III Syrah is a masterclass in this balance, typically composed of a dominant percentage of Syrah supplemented with small amounts of Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and Viognier. Spent for approximately 23 months in French oak (the majority of which was new), the resulting wine is a tour de force of dark fruit, cracked black pepper, and scorched earth, possessing the immense power the winery is known for alongside a sophisticated, cool-climate precision.

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.