Distenta III Grenache 2021

Sine Qua Non is arguably California’s most “ cult ” winery . Their wines are extremely rare , produced in small quantities , sometimes only a few barrels. Needless to say , you have to sign up for a waiting list to get their hands on them . Another important feature is that the estate is owned by iconoclastic Austrian artist and restaurateur Manfred Krakl . Krakl founded the winery with his wife , Elaine , in 1994 in Västura , California, a town an hour north of Los Angeles. Each wine tells a story , has a different name and a unique label , created of course by Manfred himself.

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) – Rated 96-98: 

Since my visit was scheduled for July 6th, just two weeks after bottling on June 22nd, I tasted the 2021 Distenta III Grenache as a barrel blend. It comes primarily from Eleven Confessions (71%) and The Third Twin (23%), with the remainder coming from Cumulus Vineyard. It is a blend of 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng, and 0.4% Muscat. The Distenta III was vinified using approximately 35% whole cluster Grenache and aged in 42% new French oak barrels of varying sizes for approximately 23 months. It has a medium to deep ruby ​​color and is incredibly perfumed at this point. Aromas of wild berry jam are accented by tones of wildflowers, tar, tangerine and coffee bean. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet lively, bursting with crisp, floral fruit and surprisingly zippy acidity. It has detailed, grainy tannins and a long, lifted finish that carries its alcohol well. 1,459 cases and 600 magnums are planned, for release in spring 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck – Rated 97-99:

Expected to be bottled relatively early, the 2021 Grenache Distenta III (79% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre and the remainder Petite Sirah and a touch of white grapes) offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet pure and elegant profile with beautiful aromas of ripe black cherries, blackberries, peppery herbs, violets and assorted floral nuances. From a cooler year, it still brings beautiful depth and richness, silky tannins and a lovely finish. (08/2023)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) – Rated 96-99:

The 2021 Grenache Distenta III is one of the most refined wines I have tasted from Sine Qua Non. The floral aromas make a strong first impression. There is plenty of SQN richness, but also less overt opulence than most vintages. I tasted it from a tank sample just before bottling. The 2021 is simply magnificent. I look forward to tasting it in bottle. (07/2023)

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...). In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.