2021 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Distenta III Grenache, California, Bottle (750ml)
$229
98JD98LP98VM
Critic key
JD = Jeb DunnuckLP = Lisa Perrotti-BrownVM = Vinous Media
Product Description
JD98 "The 2021 Grenache Distenta III shows the cooler, more elegant style of the vintage, yet it's still 100% Sine Qua Non goodness with its richness and concentration. Beautiful black raspberries, ground pepper, sandalwood, and sappy flower notes are just some of the nuances in this beauty, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautifully polished tannins, and a great, great finish. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15+. The 2021 is 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvedre, and the rest Petite Sirah and white varieties, fermented with 35% whole clusters, all aged 23 months in just 42% new barrels." JD Aug 2024
LP98 "The 2021 Grenache Distenta III is composed of 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng, and 0.4% Muscat. It was made using around 34.7% whole clusters, mainly of the Grenache, and was aged for around 23 months in French oak, mostly larger demi-muids barrels, 42.3% new. It reveals a moderately deep ruby-purple color. Upon smelling—wow! The incredible perfume rockets from the glass: black raspberries, kirsch, black currants, and violets, leading to underlying hints of tar, black truffles, and damp soil. The full-bodied palate delivers a rock-solid structure of firm, finely grained tannins and a refreshing line, perfectly framing the bright, well-defined black and red berry flavors, finishing long and earthy. Simply gorgeous." LPB for TWI Sept 2024
VM98 "Now in bottle, the 2021 Grenache Distenta III is every bit as magnificent as it was last year. Savory and wildly dynamic in the glass, the 2021 impresses with its energy and overall vibrancy. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, spice and cooling mineral notes all build in this statuesque, dazzling Grenache. The blend is 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah and 2% Muscat and Petit Manseng. The 35% whole clusters (mostly on the Grenache) add dimension. (Drink between 2026-2036)." AG for VM Aug 2024
LP98 "The 2021 Grenache Distenta III is composed of 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng, and 0.4% Muscat. It was made using around 34.7% whole clusters, mainly of the Grenache, and was aged for around 23 months in French oak, mostly larger demi-muids barrels, 42.3% new. It reveals a moderately deep ruby-purple color. Upon smelling—wow! The incredible perfume rockets from the glass: black raspberries, kirsch, black currants, and violets, leading to underlying hints of tar, black truffles, and damp soil. The full-bodied palate delivers a rock-solid structure of firm, finely grained tannins and a refreshing line, perfectly framing the bright, well-defined black and red berry flavors, finishing long and earthy. Simply gorgeous." LPB for TWI Sept 2024
VM98 "Now in bottle, the 2021 Grenache Distenta III is every bit as magnificent as it was last year. Savory and wildly dynamic in the glass, the 2021 impresses with its energy and overall vibrancy. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, spice and cooling mineral notes all build in this statuesque, dazzling Grenache. The blend is 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah and 2% Muscat and Petit Manseng. The 35% whole clusters (mostly on the Grenache) add dimension. (Drink between 2026-2036)." AG for VM Aug 2024