Sine Qua Non

Blend: 79.0% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvedre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 0.4% Gelber Muskateller, 1.6% Petit Manseng Vintage production: n/a The brand-new Sine Qua Non Distenta III Syrah and Grenache... 2021s from winemaking legend Manfred Krankl have just been released to great fanfare. Last year's Distenta II 2020s were lauded by the critics - the Syrah scored 97-99 JD / 99 WA / 97-99 TWI, and the Grenache scored 97-100 JD / 97 WA / 98-100 TWI - and with the early impressions pointing to an amazing vintage in 2021 the numbers are going to be BIG when published later in the year. Do NOT miss the chance to secure an allocation now, as by the time the reviews are out it'll be too late! 2021 is a fantastic vintage for the Central Coast. Manfred has this to say: “My favorite growing conditions are mild weather, by California standards, with consistent sunshine, but not too much extreme heat. That is what we received in 2021. We have had only one single day where temperatures reached 100° and only at one of our four vineyard sites. As a result, we received fruit and wines that are reminiscent of 2019. Perhaps with slightly more richness, but there is a distinct resemblance. Lots of elegance, lots of character, lots of alertness and a good amount of playful spiciness with many layers and nuances. Nothing boring or predictable.” Sine Qua Non is famed for the unique names and artwork given to the wines in each vintage. However, in 2019 Manfred chose a new ongoing name for his Estate blends: Distenta, meaning 'unlabelled' in Latin. The 2019s were 'Distenta I', the 2020s were Distenta II, the new 2021s are 'Distenta III', and so on for future releases. He couldn't resist making a new artwork for each label though! Manfred Krankl: "Truly gorgeous dark burgundy color. A very pretty tone, one that is brilliant and shining. The nose is rich and super vibrant with notes of fresh currants, cranberries, pomegranate juice, freshly picked blackberries, cherries and rose. Also, some dried herbs and light black pepper kernels. The mouth is extremely smooth, yet there is a playful tension, but with a giving and enveloping palate. It is dense, but simultaneously tender on its feet. The tannins are silky and the wine finishes long, long, long and seemingly sweet (not literally) with a pie crust characteristic. The more air the wine gets, the more it opens up with more layers and a very pretty saline ocean air quality and some restrained citrus blossom too. It goes to the edge and then past it. An absolutely gorgeous wine. Just beautiful."

Blend: 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 2% Viognier Vintage production: n/a Part of the famous EBA (Extended Barrel Aged) programme, the Ode to E Grenache comes entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills AVA.