2020 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Distenta III White, California, Bottle (750ml)

LP99 "The 2021 White Wine Distenta III is composed of 33% Chardonnay, 27% Viognier, 24% Gelber Muskateller, 12% Roussanne, and 4% Petit Manseng. It comes predominately from Eleven Confessions Vineyard (79%), with small proportions from The Third Twin and Cumulus. It was aged in mainly French oak puncheons and demi-muids for 23 months, with 52% new oak. “The longer these whites are in barrel, the better I like them,” says Manfred Krankl. It waltzes out of the glass with showy scents of ripe apricots, honey-drizzled pears, apple butter, and orange blossoms, giving way to hints of allspice, candied ginger, and almond croissant. The full-bodied palate explodes with orchard fruit and baking spice flavor layers, framed by a racy backbone and creamy texture, finishing very long with a gingery lift. 914 cases made." LPB for TWI Sep 2024