Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta II 2020

97-99 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "Still in barrel, the 2020 Syrah Distenta 11 is a blend of 82.9% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah and 2.3% white (1.5% Muskat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, to be precise). It comes entirely from estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (32%), Cumulus (21%) and Molly Aïda (3%). It was fermented with 16% whole clusters and matured for about 23 months in 66% new French oak. "I like whole cluster less on Syrah," Manfred Krankl explains. "It can be more herbal. But these 2020s are much more fleshy and unctuous, so it shows better." Opaque purple black in color, it features aromas of cassis and blueberries, charcuterie, lavender and coffee beans, changing continually as it spends time in the glass. The full-bodied palate boasts tremendous floral perfume, a frame of rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. I tasted this on May 24, 2022; it is due to be bottled in August of 2022. 1,999 cases and 600 magnums will be released in the spring of 2023. (May 2022)"

97-99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2020 Syrah Distenta II has an opaque purple-black color. It rockets out of the glass with explosive scents of black raspberries, Morello cherries, juicy black plums, red roses, and Indian spices, with flickering hints of tar, star anise, tree bark, and menthol, plus a waft of fertile loam. The densely laden, full-bodied palate shivers with anticipation, delivering pure, bright, pristine black and red berry layers and a rock-solid structure of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and mineral-laced. Captivating! The 2020 Syrah Distenta II is a blend of 82.9% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat, and 0.8% Petit Manseng. The vineyard sources are The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (32%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%)—all estate-owned vineyards. The fermentation included 16% whole clusters, and it was aged for 23 months in 66% new French oak. 1,999 cases and 600 magnums were made. Alcohol 16.2%. Drink: 2025-2050. (8/24/22)"

97-99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Tons of red, blue, and black fruits as well as peppery herbs and liquid violet-like nuances emerge from the 2020 Syrah Distenta II, a full-bodied, concentrated, remarkably balanced barrel sample that's based on 83% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Muscat, and Petit Manseng. I love its mid-palate, it has ripe, sweet tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's unquestionably a brilliant wine in the making. (8/29/22)"