Distenta II Syrah 2020

Sine Qua Non is undoubtedly the most “cult ” producer in California . Its wines are extremely rare , produced in small quantities , sometimes only a few barrels. Needless to say , you have to join the waiting list to get them . Another important feature is that the property is owned by the iconoclastic Austrian artist and restorer M a nfred Krakl . Krakl founded the winery with his wife , Elaine, in 1994 in V en tura, California, a town located 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.

Jeb Dunnuck – Rated 97-99:

Tons of red, blue and black fruit as well as peppery herbs and liquid violet-like nuances emerge from the 2020 Syrah Distenta II, a full-bodied, concentrated and remarkably balanced barrel sample, based on 83% Syrah, 7.5 % Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Muscat and Petit Manseng. I love its mid-palate, it has ripe and soft tannins and a magnificent finish. This is undoubtedly a brilliant wine in the making. 

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) – Rated 98+: 

The 2020 Syrah Distenta II, bottled in late July 2022, is starting to tighten up slightly since I last tasted it in early 2023, although its merits as an archetypal Syrah are still visible. It incorporates fruit from the estate's four vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (33%), Cumulus (21%) and Molly Aïda (3%). It is blended with 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, was vinified with 16% whole clusters. and aged for approximately 23 months in 66% new French oak barrels. It features a deep ruby ​​color and breathtaking aromas of blackcurrant, violet, bitter chocolate and coffee grounds, which blossom over time into tones of prosciutto and mint. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet nuanced with a harmonious balance of powdery tannins and refreshing acidity, and it carries its alcohol expertly. It has a long finish that hints at more savory character to come, but it will require plenty of time in bottle. 2,000 cases and 600 magnums were made. 

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.