Sine Qua Non, Distenta V Grenache, Central Coast, California, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Sine Qua Non was created after the 1994 harvest of a Bien Nacido Syrah named “The Queen of Spades”. Winemaker Manfred Krankl feels strongly that each vintage is a completely unique wine and thus he gives each wine a unique name. He also creates the artwork for each new label himself. Previously, Manfred had made wines with Bryan Babcock and John Alban and still sources much of his fruit from Alban’s vineyard. The basic white wines have always been a white blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier and a red wine based on Syrah plus Grenache. Sometimes there are small quantities of Rose and a Grenache-based red.

Sine Qua Non has its own winemaking facility in Ventura, California not far from the Santa Barbara vineyards where the fruit is sourced from. In the last few years Manfred and his wife, Elaine, have begun creating their own vineyards dedicated to Rhone varietals. Their winemaking philosophy is to work in very small batches, gravity flow, natural yeasts (unless a fermentation problem is anticipated), long lees aging for the whites and repeated racking for the reds to open them up. This is a modified explanation of a very dedicated and artistic approach to winemaking. The wines are simultaneously very rich and elegant, superbly balanced and thoroughly harmonious with food, never overwhelming.

Winemaker
Manfred Krankl

Grape / Blend
81.8% Grenache, 8.6% Mourvèdre, 7.7% Syrah, 1.3% Muscat, 0.6% Petit Manseng

Origin
Central Coast, California

Tasting Notes
Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to coax out notes of black and red cherries, juicy strawberries, and black raspberries, followed by hints of cinnamon stick, rose bud tea, and mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate is plush and juicy with bags of red, black, and blue fruit and plenty of freshness, finishing long and peppery.

Pairs with Peking Duck, Grilled Steak, Duck Breast, Burgers. Drinking window is 2026–2045

100 Points - The Wine Palate
The 2023 Grenache Distenta V comes from four estate vineyards: 42.2% Cumulus Estate, 28.2% Eleven Confessions, 24.5% The Third Twin, and 5.1% Molly Aida. 81.8% Grenache is blended with 7.7% Syrah, 8.6% Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah, plus dashes of Muscat and Petit Manseng. The fermentation was performed with 25.4% whole cluster, mainly Grenache. It was aged 23 months in French oak, mostly larger demi-muids, 57.8% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to coax out notes of black and red cherries, juicy strawberries, and black raspberries, followed by hints of cinnamon stick, rose bud tea, and mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate is plush and juicy with bags of red, black, and blue fruit and plenty of freshness, finishing long and peppery.

99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 81.8% Grenache, 8.6% Mourvèdre, 7.7% Syrah, and the rest white varieties, the 2023 Grenache Distenta V will spend 23 months in 58% new French oak, with the balance in demi-muids and used barrels. Ripe black raspberries, black cherries, roasted herbs, graphite, and peppery, spicy notes all define the aromatics. It's full-bodied, round, layered, and has incredible purity. This is a killer wine in the making.

98 Points - Vinous
Bottled only three weeks before this tasting, the 2023 Grenache Distenta V is deeply aromatic and exquisitely pure, a wine of both sensuality and structure. Crushed stones, gravel, and graphite infuse the palate with mineral intensity, while lavender, blood orange, and macerated cherry notes quietly build layers of nuance. A spine of fine tannin carries the 2023 through a taut, finely chiseled finish, accentuated by the inclusion of 25% whole clusters that bring attractive spice. Elegant, persistent and beautifully integrated, this is a Grenache of clarity and poise. The blend is 81.8% Grenache, 8.6% Mourvèdre, 7.7% Syrah, 1.3% Muscat, 0.6% Petit Manseng

Product size: 750ml