Sine Qua Non - Distenta Grenache 2019
Price: $299.99
| Producer | Sine Qua Non |
 | |
| Country | United States |
| |
| Region | Santa Barbara County |
| |
| Varietal | Grenache |
| |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| |
| Sku | 32098 |
| |
|
Jeb Dunnuck: 99 Points
The 2019 Grenache Distenta I, which was tasted from bottle, is cut from the same cloth as the 2020, although it's a touch more focused and elegant. Black raspberries, white pepper, new saddle leather, and beautiful floral and spicy notes all soar from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. The blend is 76% Grenache, 9.3% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier that saw 43.5% whole clusters and 23 months in 26% new French oak, with 6.8% in concrete and the balance in used oak. It's another sensational wine from this estate that flirts with perfection.
Wine Advocate: 98 Points
The 2019 Grenache Distenta I is composed of 76% Grenache, 8% Mourvèdre, 9.3% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah and 2.4% Viognier. The vineyard sources are 11% Cumulus Estate, 39% The Third Twin Estate, 32% Eleven Confessions Estate, 3% Molly Aida and 15% Bien Nacido vineyard. Around 43% whole cluster was performed, predominately on the Grenache. The small proportion of Viognier was co-fermented with red grapes, but interestingly, because it ripens earlier than the reds, the white berries were frozen and added to the reds at the time of fermentation. As an added bonus, these frozen grapes help to cool and, therefore, slow the fermentation. The wine was aged for around 23 months in 26.5% new French oak, 66.7% used oak and 6.8% concrete. It was bottled June 21, 2021. Medium to deep garnet-purple it bursts with profound perfume of black raspberries, boysenberries and cherry preserves, leading to an undercurrent of charcuterie, charcoal, bouquet garni and aniseed. Notions of red roses and garrigue reward patient swirling and coaxing. The full-on full-bodied palate is wonderfully opulent, its intensity offset by fantastic freshness, finishing long with a savory dried herb-laced lift.
