Sine Qua Non Distenta II Syrah 2020

Sine Qua Non Distenta II Syrah 2020

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Sine Qua Non
Distenta II Syrah 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 83% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, 3% Petite Syrah

Blending estate-grown Syrah with select Rhône varietals, this vintage offers a harmonious balance of power and elegance, reflecting the winery's distinctive style.

Experts Score Vintage
JD Jeb Dunnuck 99 2020
RP Robert Parker 98 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 98 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The 2020 Distenta II Syrah is sourced entirely from Sine Qua Non's estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (33%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%). These vineyards are located in California's Central Coast, an area renowned for its diverse microclimates and soil compositions, which contribute to the complexity and character of the wines produced.

The region's Mediterranean climate, with its warm days and cool nights, allows for extended ripening periods, enhancing flavor development while preserving acidity. The varied topography and soil types across the vineyards provide a rich palette for viticulture, enabling the cultivation of grapes with distinct profiles that, when blended, result in a wine of remarkable depth and balance.

Winemaking

The 2020 Distenta II Syrah 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. Approximately 16% of the grapes were fermented with whole clusters, a technique that adds complexity and structure to the wine. The fermentation process was carefully managed to extract optimal color, flavor, and tannin profiles.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for about 23 months in French oak barrels, 66% of which were new. This aging regimen imparts subtle oak nuances and allows the wine to develop its full potential. The result is a full-bodied, concentrated wine that balances ripe fruit flavors with refined tannins and a persistent finish.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with a nearly opaque core.
  • Aroma: Aromas of blackcurrants, violets, bitter chocolate, and coffee grounds, evolving to include notes of prosciutto and mint over time.
  • Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated, featuring layers of red, blue, and black fruits, peppery herbs, and floral nuances. The wine exhibits a harmonious balance of ripe, grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, culminating in a long, mineral-laced finish.

Did you know?

The name "Distenta" is derived from Latin, meaning "unlabeled." Sine Qua Non adopted this naming convention as a response to the complexities of trademark and copyright issues, allowing them to continue their tradition of unique wine identities without legal constraints. The 2020 Distenta II Syrah received high acclaim, with a score of 98+ points from Wine Advocate, highlighting its exceptional quality and the winery's innovative approach to winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic: The wine's robust structure complements the rich flavors of the lamb.
  • Duck breast with berry reduction: The fruity notes in the wine enhance the savory-sweet profile of the dish.
  • Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair well with the wine's depth and complexity.
  • Aged Gouda cheese: The cheese's nutty character harmonizes with the wine's rich fruit and spice notes.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 99 Points (2020)
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.Barrel Sample: 97-99

Robert Parker (RP) : 98 Points (2020)
The 2020 Syrah Distenta II, bottled in late July of 2022, is beginning to tighten ever-so-slightly since I last tasted it in early 2023, although its merits as an archetypal Syrah are still on display. It incorporates fruit from all four estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (33%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%). It's blended with 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, was vinified using 16% whole clusters and matured for around 23 months in 66% new French oak barrels. It has a deep ruby color and heart-stopping aromas of blackcurrants, violets, bitter chocolate and coffee grounds, which blossom over time to tones of prosciutto and mint. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet nuanced with a harmonious balance of powdery tannins and refreshing acidity, and it wears its alcohol expertly. It has a long finish that hints at more savory character to come, but it will require plenty of time in the bottle. Rating: 98+

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 98 Points (2020)
The 2020 Syrah Distenta II has turned out beautifully. Rich and ample, with tremendous depth, the 2020 dazzles from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, licorice, incense and mocha all meld together effortlessly. The 16% whole clusters are present, but nearly buried by the sheer richness of the fruit. Dollops of Muscat and Petit Manseng (instead of Roussanne) add an exotic flair. It's a stunning 2020. I tasted it from tank, fully assembled, just prior to bottling. (AG) (6/2022)

Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Grenache 2018
Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Grenache 2018
Sine Qua Non
Eleven Confessions Grenache 2018
JD
100
RP
99
VN
97
A bold and expressive Grenache from California's Central Coast, the 2018 Eleven Confessions exemplifies Sine Qua Non's commitment to crafting unique and compelling wines.
650,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Syrah 2018
Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Syrah 2018
Sine Qua Non
Eleven Confessions Syrah 2018
RP
100
VN
98
JD
100
A cult Syrah from California’s Central Coast, the 2018 Eleven Confessions is a profound, boundary-pushing wine that marries opulence with precision.
650,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Sine Qua Non Distenta II Grenache 2020
Sine Qua Non Distenta II Grenache 2020
Sine Qua Non
Distenta II Grenache 2020
RP
99
VN
96
JD
100
A bold and expressive Grenache from California's Central Coast, the 2020 Distenta II showcases Sine Qua Non's commitment to crafting unique and compelling wines.
430,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Sine Qua Non Distenta I White 2019
Sine Qua Non Distenta I White 2019
Sine Qua Non
Distenta I White 2019
RP
99
JD
100
Sine Qua Non Distenta I White 2019 is a masterful creation from California, embodying the intricacy and finesse of winemaking.
340,00 €
Sold Out
Wine regions guide
430,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
USA
100 Jeb Dunnuck
Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Grenache 2018
Sine Qua Non Distenta II Syrah 2020
A bold and expressive Grenache from California's Central Coast, the 2018 Eleven Confessions exemplifies Sine Qua Non's commitment to crafting unique and compelling wines.
Distenta II Syrah 2020
650,00 €
USA
90 Wines & Spirits
Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Chateau Ste Michelle Distenta II Syrah 2020
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Ste Michelle is a classic expression of Washington’s premier red grape, offering rich fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a beautifully structured profile.
Distenta II Syrah 2020
21,50 €
Australia
97 Robert Parker
Torbreck Run Rig 2020
Torbreck Distenta II Syrah 2020
A masterfully structured Shiraz-Viognier blend, RunRig 2020 is a monument to the Barossa’s oldest vineyards and Rhône-inspired elegance.
Distenta II Syrah 2020
261,00 €
France
99 Wine Enthusiast
Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2020
Château Angélus Distenta II Syrah 2020
Château Angélus 2020 is a radiant expression of Saint-Émilion's right bank nobility, uniting density, purity, and floral elegance in a vintage of profound harmony.
Distenta II Syrah 2020
450,00 €
France
100 Robert Parker
Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan 2020
Chateau Haut-Brion Distenta II Syrah 2020
A profound and elegant wine from a historic First Growth, 2020 Haut-Brion showcases precision, harmony, and the richness of a warm, early-ripening vintage.
Distenta II Syrah 2020
730,00 €
France
93-95 Robert Parker
Château Clinet Clinet 2021
Château Clinet Distenta II Syrah 2020
The Château Clinet 2021 is a remarkable Pomerol wine, offering a refined balance between power and elegance. With its deep fruit concentration and fine tannins, this vintage highlights the potential of Merlot-dominant blends from the famed Pomerol region.
Distenta II Syrah 2020
109,00 €