2022 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Distenta IV White, California, Bottle (750ml) [Slightly Soiled Label]

JD98 The 2022 White Wine Distenta IV is a blend of 32% Roussanne, 30% Gelber Muskateller, 15% Chardonnay, 13% Petit Manseng, and the rest Viognier, aged 22.5 months in 75% new French oak. Medium gold in color, it offers blockbuster aromas of honeyed pineapple, orange marmalade, flower oil, and blanched almond. Full-bodied, deep, and opulent on the palate, it has a layered, powerful mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It comes closest in style to a great Hermitage from Le Méal yet carries an exotic quality that makes it truly singular. Drink 2025-2035.The latest releases from Manfred and Elaine Krankl at Sine Qua Non show once again why this estate remains at the very top of California wine, and I always leave my tastings here utterly floored by what they consistently put in bottle. Looking at the wines reviewed here, the 2021s come from a hot, dry drought year that produced structured, concentrated wines reminiscent of 2010, 2013, and maybe even 2018. These are built for the cellar. The 2022s are riper and more extroverted, bringing to mind a slightly less concentrated version of the 2009s, 2012s, or 2019s. Drink these while you wait on the 2021s. The estate has also performed well in the cooler, longer 2023 growing season, with wines that are inky hued, concentrated, and nicely structured, yet supple enough to show well right out of the gate.