Sine Qua Non Distenta III Syrah 2021

Wineadvocate

Just over half of the 2021 Syrah Distenta III was sourced from The Third Twin Vineyard, with roughly equal parts Cumulus and Eleven Confessions making up the balance. It includes 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah and small portions of Muscat and Petit Manseng. The nose is meaty and savory, showing aromas of cured meats, pepperoncini and barbecue smoke aromas melded with rich, creamy, toasty new oak aromas. The palate is extraordinarily extracted and powerful, filled to the brim with sumptuously sweet concentration, which cascades into the decadent, staining finish. Despite the immense power and flashiness here, it leaves something to be discovered, continuously unfurling in the glass while remaining generally balanced. Integrating its alcohol more effortlessly than its Grenache-based counterparts, this is a highlight of the Sine Qua Non lineup.

Vinous

Dunnuck

A great example of the cooler style of the vintage, the 2021 Syrah Distenta III has quintessential Syrah notes of ripe darker berry fruits, ground pepper, violets, and assorted smoky, meaty, subtly bloody-like nuances. With medium to full-bodied richness, flawless overall balance, and ultra-fine tannins, it picks up a beautiful floral character with time in the glass and reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal's Côte Rôtie La Mouline. Give bottles 4-5 years if you can, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. The 2021 is 82% Syrah and 11% Grenache, with the balance Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and white varieties. It was fermented with 21% while clusters and spent 23 months in 53% new French oak.