2021 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Distenta III Grenache & Syrah Assortment Case, California, Case of 2 Magnum [Syrah & Grenache]

LP100 "The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is sourced from The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%), and Eleven Confessions (23%) vineyards. The blend is 81.7% Syrah with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvedre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng, and 0.7% Muscat. It was made using 21% whole clusters and then aged around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43.1% one- to three-year-old barrels, and 3.9% concrete. Deep purple-black colored, it needs some coaxing and swirling before the nose erupts with a mushroom cloud of blackberry preserves, kirsch, and red roses scents, giving way to hints of bacon fat, tar, and espresso, plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, the palate is incredibly bright and vibrant with beautifully defined black and red fruit flavor layers, supported by very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and shimmery. Stunning. 1877 cases and 600 magnums were made." LPB for TWI Sept 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