Distenta I Grenache 2019

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 Krakl . Krakl 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 99: 

The 2019 Grenache Distenta I is composed of 76% Grenache, 9.3% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 4.3% Petite Sirah, and 2.4% Viognier. It was fermented with 43.5% whole clusters (primarily Grenache) and aged for 23 months, 26.5% of which were in new French oak barrels. With an intense ruby-purple color, it exudes aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries, tar, coffee beans, cracked pepper, and thyme. The ample palate displays a fine tannic structure, harmonious acidity, and a succession of fruity, spicy, and floral notes. Its persistence suggests significant aging potential. 1,536 cases and 600 magnums will be available in spring 2022. This 2019 vintage is made almost exclusively from estate-grown grapes – only 15% come from the Bien Nacido vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. The remaining grapes come from the estate's other vineyards: The Third Twin (39%), Eleven Confessions (32%), Cumulus (11%), and Molly Aida (3%).

Jeb Dunnuck – Rated 99:

The 2019 Grenache Distenta 1, tasted from the bottle, is of the same caliber as the 2020, though a touch more precise and elegant. Aromas of black raspberries, white pepper, new leather, and magnificent floral and spicy notes waft from the glass. This medium- to full-bodied wine offers a harmonious and complex texture on the palate, beautiful tannins, and a remarkable finish. The blend is composed of 76% Grenache, 9.3% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, with the remainder being Petite Sirah and Viognier. Vinification was carried out with 43.5% whole clusters, and aging lasted 23 months, including 26% in new French oak barrels, 6.8% in concrete tanks, and the remainder in second-use oak barrels. This is another sensational wine from this estate, bordering on perfection. I've been a regular at Sine Qua Non for a decade now, and I'm still amazed by the consistent quality of their wines. Furthermore, Krankl manages to elevate virtually every grape variety, whether it's Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional, Roussanne, or even Petit Manseng: expect a truly captivating wine with a unique character. Unfortunately, it's all too common, especially among novices, to believe that all of California's cult wines are overripe or heavy. The reality, however, is quite different: great wines combine intensity and depth while remaining fresh and elegant. And these latest vintages from Sine Qua Non are great wines.

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.