2020 Distenta 1 Grenache

I first tasted the Grenache Distenta II from bottle at the beginning of 2023. It has barely budged in the interim and feels expectant, its youthfully compact character waiting patiently to blossom. It comes from all four estate vineyards: Eleven Confessions (40%), Cumulus (33%), The Third Twin (21%) and Molly Aïda (6%). A blend of 77.9% Grenache, 9.4% Mourvèdre, 7.9% Syrah, 4.3% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier, it was vinified using 29% whole clusters (mainly from Grenache) and matured for around 23 months in 52% new French oak of various sizes. Medium ruby in color, it takes plenty of time to unwind in the glass, segueing from streaks of coffee, peppercorn, garrigue and bresaola to a deep core of berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate sits on a razor's edge of concentration and weight, with floral and citrus-tinged fruit, fireworks of fresh acidity and the characteristic, silky smooth texture that's so impressive in the Sine Qua Non wines. This was bottled in June of 2022 and released in January of 2023. 1,650 cases and 600 magnums were made.

Tasted out of bottle, the 2020 Grenache Distenta II is total blockbuster stuff that's darker and richer than the 2021. Red and black fruits, white pepper, classy leather, and spicy baking chocolate-like nuances all define the aromatics, and it’s deep, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, with gorgeous tannins and a great finish. The blend is 78% Grenache, 9% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah (with a splash of Viognier), and it's going to knock your socks off any time over the coming 15+ years. Looking at the new vintages reviewed here, the 2021s come from a cooler, even, balanced year and actually share a similar profile with the 2019s. These are still classic Sine Qua Non releases, but there’s clearly a fresher, elegant vibe, and the wines are flawlessly balanced. In comparison, the 2020s come across as bigger, richer wines that have tons of sexy opulence and richness. I was able to taste the two longer élevage Eleven Confession Vineyard releases from 2019, and these are absolutely captivating wines I wish every reader could taste. As I said above, there are lots of similarities to the 2021s here, and the wines have a beautiful purity and elegance about them without sacrificing depth or richness.

The 2020 Grenache Distenta II is a dense, powerful wine. A blast of dark cherry, plum, espresso, menthol, licorice and cloves hits the palate. This rich, heady Grenache delivers the goods. In a vintage that was so hard for Grenache, Elaine and Manfred Krankl found the way to craft a memorable wine. All this needs is time.