Sine qua non Distenta III Grenache 2021

Sine Qua Non is arguably California's most cult producer . Its wines are extremely rare , produced in small quantities , sometimes only a few barrels. Needless to say , you have to join a waiting list to get your hands on them . Another important characteristic is that the estate is owned by the iconoclastic Austrian artist and restaurateur Manfred Krankl . Krankl founded the winery with his wife , Elaine, in 1994 in Ventura , California, a city an hour north of Los Angeles. Each wine tells a story , has a different name , and a unique label , created, of course, by Manfred himself.

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) – Rated 96-98: 

As my visit was scheduled for July 6th, just two weeks after bottling on June 22nd, I tasted the 2021 Grenache Distenta III barrel blend. It comes primarily from Eleven Confessions (71%) and The Third Twin (23%) vineyards, with the remainder from Cumulus Vineyard. The blend is 79% Grenache, 8.4% Syrah, 7.4% Mourvèdre, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 1.6% Petit Manseng, and 0.4% Muscat. The Distenta III was vinified using approximately 35% whole cluster Grenache and aged in 42% new French oak barrels of varying sizes for about 23 months. It has a medium to deep ruby ​​color and is incredibly aromatic at this stage. Aromas of wild berry jam are accentuated by hints of wildflowers, tar, mandarin, and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet vibrant, bursting with crisp, floral fruit and surprisingly energetic acidity. It displays detailed, grainy tannins and a long, lively finish that carries its alcohol well. 1,459 cases and 600 magnums are planned, with a release in spring 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck – Rated 97-99:

Intended for relatively early bottling, the 2021 Grenache Distenta III (79% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, and the remainder Petite Sirah with a touch of white grape varieties) offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet pure and elegant profile, along with magnificent aromas of ripe black cherries, blackberries, peppery herbs, violets, and assorted floral nuances. From a cooler year, it still brings beautiful depth and richness, silky tannins, and a lovely finish. (08/2023)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) – Rated 96-99:

The 2021 Grenache Distenta III is one of the most refined wines I've tasted from Sine Qua Non. The floral aromas make a strong first impression. There's plenty of SQN richness, but also less overt opulence than most vintages. I tasted it from a tank sample just before bottling. The 2021 is simply gorgeous. I can't wait to taste it from the bottle. (07/2023)

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...).



In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public.



Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.