2022 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Distenta IV Grenache, California, Bottle (750ml)

LP99 "The 2022 Grenache Distenta IV comes from three estate vineyards: 35.3% Eleven Confessions, 35.3% The Third Twin, and 29.4% Cumulus Estate. 78% Grenache is blended with 10% Syrah, 7.3% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Sirah, plus dashes of Muscat and Petit Manseng. The fermentation was performed with 42.9% whole cluster, mainly Grenache. It was aged 23 months in French oak, mostly larger demi-muids, 16.1% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose bursts with a bold perfume of blackberry preserves, juicy blueberries, and black cherries, followed by suggestions of licorice, black pepper, garigue, and dried lavender. The full-bodied palate delivers beautifully ripe yet firm, fine-grained tannins and great tension to support the boisterous fruit layers, finishing very long and fragrant. Give it 3-4 years to tame the fruit and drink it over the next 15-20 years. 788 cases and 360 magnums were made." LPB for TWI Sep 2024

AG97 "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." AG for VM Aug 2024