Sine Qua Non Grenache Syrah Distenta V 1.5 Liter Magnum 2 pack OWC

This Original Wood Case (OWC) contains 2x 1.5 Liter Magnums, one each of Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta V 2023 and Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta V 2023.

Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta V 2023

The 2023 Distenta V is primarily Grenache 81.8%, blended with 8.6% Mourvdre, 7.7% Syrah, 1.3% Muscat, and 0.6% Petit Manseng. It was aged for 23 months, with a significant portion in new French oak.

Sine Qua Non is one of California’s most famous wine producers. Based just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, and with most of its vineyards in Santa Barbara, it eschews the usual image of top California wine as being only from Napa Valley. That is not the only thing eschewed at Sine Qua Non the same wine is rarely made more than once, turning the idea of the American icon wine on its head.

Sine Qua Non’s first vintage was 1994, as Austrian-born winemaker Manfred Krankl released three barrels of Syrah as “Queen of Spades” with a label he had designed himself. Previously, Krankl had made wines with other winemakers including the “Black and Blue” wine with Havens Cellars and several wines with John Alban of Alban Vineyards. After releasing Queen of Spades, Krankl sent a bottle to Robert Parker, who promptly gave the wine 95 points then the highest he’d given any American wine based on a Rhne variety.

Critical Acclaim

98 Robert Parker

Because my visit was scheduled for July 6, just two weeks after bottling on June 22, I tasted the Sine Qua Non Grenache Distenta as a precise blend from barrel. It comes mostly from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard (71%) and The Third Twin (23%) with the balance from the Cumulus Vineyard. It is a blend of 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng and 0.4% Muscat. The Distenta III was vinified using about 35% whole Grenache clusters, and it matured in 42% new French oak of various sizes for around 23 months. It has a medium to deep ruby color and is incredibly fragrant at this stage. Wild berry jam aromas are accented by tones of wildflower, tar, tangerine and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet lively, bursting with crunchy, floral fruit and surprisingly energetic acidity. It has detailed, grainy tannins and a long, lifted finish that wears its alcohol well. 1,459 cases and 600 magnums are projected, to be released in the spring of 2024.

Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta V 2023

Sine Qua Non is one of California’s most famous wine producers. Based just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, and with most of its vineyards in Santa Barbara, it eschews the usual image of top California wine as being only from Napa Valley. That is not the only thing eschewed at Sine Qua Non the same wine is rarely made more than once, turning the idea of the American icon wine on its head.

Critical Acclaim

100 Vinous

The 2023 Syrah Distenta V has all the makings of a masterpiece. Beguiling aromatics of exotic spice, violets, blueberries and crushed rocks soar from the glass, leading into a wine of staggering elegance and expressiveness. Juicy yet refined, it already shows remarkable completeness, with a suave balance that promises even greater things in bottle. The blend is 85.8% Syrah, 5.5% Grenache, 3.7% Petite Sirah, 3.3% Mourvdre, 1.3% Petit Manseng and 0.4% Muscat, vinified with 11% whole clusters. Nearly half of the fruit comes from the Third Twin Vineyard in 2023, which imbues the Distenta V with brightness and verve.