SINE QUA NON Grenache "Distenta IV"

WA: 94

The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV combines nearly equal portions of Eleven Confessions, The Third Twin and Next of Kyn Vineyards. It contains 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah and small amounts of Muscat and Petit Manseng aged for 23 months in 16% new French oak. The nose leads with lavish red-fruited aromas, a pleasant floral lift and touches of crushed stones, dried herbs and bright spices. The palate combines a concentrated core of dense but juicy fruit flavors with deft acidity and a seamless, sophisticated texture. The finish is coiled and latent before unwinding and growing more expansive, detailed and blue-fruited with time in the glass. Once this is released in January 2025, I recommend that fans of this style take advantage of the youthful harmony on display here.

VM: 97

The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV is dense and full-bodied to the core. Rich, creamy and expansive, the 2022 is quite showy today, but all the elements are so well balanced. Bright red/purplish fruit, blood orange, spice, lavender and mocha are all amplified to the maximum. The inclusion of 43% whole clusters adds complexity and nuance without overpowering the wine. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this positively stellar Grenache from Sine Qua Non. The 2021 is 78% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah and 1.7% Muscat and Petit Manseng.