Ratings & Tasting Notes:
98 points The Wine Independent
Review Date: 09/2024
The 2022 Syrah Distenta IV comes from three estate vineyards: 45% Eleven Confessions, 36% The Third Twin, and 19% Cumulus Estate. It is a blend of 82.7% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 5% Petite Sirah, 3.3% Mourvèdre, and dollops of Petit Manseng and Muscat. It was fermented with 31% whole clusters and was matured for 23 months in French oak, 56.2% new. Opaque purple-black in color, it prances out of the glass with gregarious notes of black cherry compote, lilacs, licorice, and raspberry coulis, followed by hints of blood orange and menthol. The full-bodied palate has a firm backbone of beautifully ripe, rounded tannins and excellent tension to support the dense, muscular black fruits, finishing with lingering minerals and peppery sparks. (LPB)
96-98 points Jeb Dunnuck
Review Date: 08/2024
Incorporating 6% Grenache, 5% Petite Sirah, 3% Mourvèdre, and 3% white varieties, the 2022 Syrah Distenta IV is another ripe, layered, full-bodied 2022 that’s going to deliver the goods. Ample blue fruits, kirsch liqueur, pepper, and tons of spicy notes all shine here, and this puppy has a layered, velvety mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and awesome length. It’s going to shine right out of the gate and is a good counterpoint to the more focused, cooler styled 2021s.
96 points Vinous
Review Date: 08/2024
The 2022 Syrah Distenta IV is a potent, tightly wound wine. Interestingly, the Syrah is also much less accessible than the Grenache in this vintage. Readers will have to be patient with the Distenta IV as it is not all forthcoming, its notable textural richness notwithstanding. I tasted the 2022 from a sample prepared just prior to bottling. I expect the finished wine to be more giving. Dollops of Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Muscat and Petit Manseng round out the blend. (AG) 96+
Cult Wines International Notes:
Sine Qua Non, founded in 1994 by Manfred and Elaine Krankl, remains one of the most singular and sought-after names in the world of fine wine. Operating out of a modest facility in Ventura, California, the winery has eschewed traditional branding by famously giving every individual wine a unique name and label design each year. This philosophy emphasizes that every vintage is a distinct piece of art, never to be repeated. The “Distenta” series represents a more recent evolution for the estate, focusing primarily on their four bedrock estate vineyards: Eleven Confessions in Santa Rita Hills, Cumulus in Oak View, The Third Twin in Los Alamos, and Molly Aïda in Enz. Known for intense concentration, floral aromatics, and a “velvet glove” texture, Sine Qua Non has redefined the potential of Central Coast Rhône varietals, consistently earning perfect scores and a cult-like following among serious collectors.
The 2022 growing season in the Central Coast was defined by its dramatic conclusion, which required the Krankls’ trademark precision in the vineyard. Following a steady, mild spring that allowed for a successful fruit set, the region experienced a historic heat event in early September. For the Syrah vines, this served as a catalyst for deep flavor extraction and the development of the opulent, ink-dark fruit profiles for which the estate is renowned. The 2022 Distenta Syrah showcases the benefit of these estate-grown vines, which have reached a level of maturity capable of handling climatic shifts while maintaining structural integrity. Typically blended with small amounts of Grenache, Mourvèdre, or Viognier and aged extensively in French oak (predominantly new), the 2022 vintage delivers a profile of crème de cacao, boysenberry preserves, and exotic spices. It is a powerful, expansive wine that balances high-octane fruit with the intricate, savory nuances of white pepper and graphite.
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.
