2020 Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta II

Winery

Sine Qua Non is one of California's absolute cult wineries and is led by Manfred Krankl. From Santa Barbara County, he produces wines in very small batches that are sought after worldwide. Krankl has international experience and is known for his uncompromising approach. His philosophy is clear: top quality begins in the vineyard. Therefore, he works with minimal intervention and great attention to detail. Each cuvée is unique and reflects the vintage and the best plots. You can find more information in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The 2020 Distenta II is composed of fruit from four estate vineyards: The Third Twin, Eleven Confessions, Cumulus, and Molly Aïda. These are located in Santa Barbara County, where the influence of the ocean ensures cool nights and a long ripening period. The soils vary from sandy to chalky subsoils and lend the wine both power and refinement. This combination results in a wine with concentration, as well as freshness and balance.

Grapes and vineyard management

The blend consists primarily of Syrah, supplemented with Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Muscat, and a small amount of Petit Manseng. The grapes come from carefully selected plots with low yields. Part of the fermentation takes place with whole clusters, which provides extra structure and complexity. The vineyards are managed with great attention to balance and ripeness, ensuring that each grape is expressed to its full potential.

Vinification and aging

After careful selection, the grapes are fermented, partly with whole clusters, to achieve extra depth and aromatic complexity. The wine then ages for approximately 23 months in French oak, a large proportion of which is new. This aging is combined with sur lie aging, which provides extra texture, structure, and length. The result is a wine with both power and refinement.

Color, smell and taste

Deep ruby red in color. The aroma is intense and layered, with blackcurrants, violets, dark chocolate, and coffee. With aeration, more savory notes develop, such as dried meat and mint. On the palate, full and concentrated, with a beautiful balance between ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and fine tannins. The structure is powerful yet precise, with a long and complex finish.

Style and character

This Syrah is powerful and layered, yet remains remarkably refined. The wine combines concentration with precision and has a clear structure that allows for further aging. Despite the alcohol level, the balance is maintained. This is a wine with depth, tension, and great aging potential.

Volume

The 2020 vintage in Santa Barbara County produced wines of great concentration and aromatic intensity. Distenta II clearly demonstrates this, but also possesses sufficient freshness and structure to develop further. The wine is already impressive, but will reveal even more complexity with bottle aging toward 2045.

Wine & Food Pairing and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.