Sine Qua Non Distenta II Grenache 2020

Wineadvocate

Still in barrel, the 2020 Grenache Distenta 11 is a blend of 77.9% Grenache, 9.4% Mourvèdre, 7.9% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier. Fruit comes entirely from the Krankls' estate vineyards: Eleven Confessions (40%), Cumulus (33%), The Third Twin (21%) and Molly Aïda (6%). It was made with 29% whole clusters, predominantly Grenache. "Ten years ago, I was afraid of whole clusters," Manfred Krankl recalls. "Now, I quite like it, especially on Grenache, a little less so on Syrah." Matured about 23 months in 52% new French oak and demi-muids, it has a deep ruby-purple color and slowly opening scents of wild berry jam, burnt orange peel, black tea leaves and coffee beans. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet, with juicy, floral flavors and a dreamy texture woven from loads and loads of super-fine tannins. It's due to be bottled in the summer of 2022 and will be released in the spring of 2023. Around 1,630 cases and 600 magnums will be made. - EB 05/2022

Vinous

The 2020 Grenache Distenta II is a powerful, driving wine. In this tasting, the Grenache comes across as a bit compact. I imagine some of the stress of this warm dry season has an impact here, even though the yields were actually on the higher side. It will be interesting to see if this gains a bit more body in aging. All that said, the 2020 finishes with very good freshness. - AG 08/2022