2020 Sine Qua Non 2020 Sine Qua Non
2020 Sine Qua Non
2020 Sine Qua Non

2020 Sine Qua Non

Distenta II

Syrah

America / California / Central Coast  / Santa Rita Hills

$1,095
JD 99
RP 99
V 98
Size:
Quantity:

2020 Sine Qua Non Distenta Syrah, California, USA

Our wines were born of pure passion and a wishful dream – to make something that is so distinctive and so delicious as to make it indispensable to wine lovers the world over. Clearly a rather lofty, even unrealistic notion, but one we decided to pursue anyway. And so, with the 1994 vintage started Sine Qua Non, made a whopping four and a half barrels of Syrah that we called “Queen of Spades.”

That first wine was a much greater hit than we could have ever imagined and it literally changed our life. What started as a hobby, more or less on a whim, has become not only our full-time occupation, but indeed our life. It is now a part of just about everything we do.

These first four and a half barrels have grown into four different vineyard sites (see our Vineyards section please), a good number of wonderfully dedicated and hardworking employees, a new winery building and a simply amazing number of loyal wine lovers the world over. In fact, there are so very many lovely folks interested in our wines that we don’t have enough to go around and instead had to create something as annoying as a waiting list.

We are humbled by all the positive feedback we continuously receive by people like you as well as critics and journalists from all corners of the earth. We take that as our mandate to forever strive to get better, to never compromise and to stay true to ourselves and by extension to all those who have supported us and believed in us since those first 100+ cases of wine left our cellar…now so many years ago.

Although at heart we are a Rhone (Ranger) house where Syrah and Grenache play top fiddle… supported by Mourvedre, Roussanne and Viognier, we have an aversion to labels and dogmas or mindless ritual that are sometimes called tradition. And so, we also grow non-Rhone-origin grapes such as Petit Manseng, Touriga Nacional, Graciano and Petite Sirah. Varieties we believe can work well on a Rhone canvas.

JD 99

Jeb Dunnuck

(Rating 97 - 99). 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. I’ve been visiting with Sine Qua Non for a decade now, and I never cease to be amazed at the quality consistently coming from this address. In addition, Krankl somehow manages to deliver brilliance with just about any variety out there, and whether it’s Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional, Roussanne, or even Petit Manseng, you can expect a truly riveting wine, as well as a wine with singular characteristics. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, particularly for those who don’t drink the wines often, to assume all California cult wines are over-ripe or heavy. The reality, however, couldn’t be more different, and great wines deliver intensity and depth while staying light on their feet and elegant. And these latest releases from Sine Qua Non are great wines. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue date: August 2022. Drinking window: n/a.
RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The recently bottled 2020 Syrah Distenta II is a blend of 82.9% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah and 2.3% white grapes (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 ruby in color, it opens significantly as it spends time in the decanter, unfolding to cassis, crème de violette, coffee and warm chocolate. The palate embodies weightless power, its concentrated, graphite-laced flavors carried by a velvety, seamless frame, while soft bursts of acidity highlight floral perfume on the long finish. Still very tightly coiled, its intense, latent flavors suggest this has much more to give as it unwinds in bottle. 1,999 cases and 600 magnums will be released in the spring of 2023. Reviewed by Erin Brooks, Issue date: March 2023. Drinking window: 2025 - 2045.
V 98

Vinous

(Rating 96 - 98). 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. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: June 2022. Drinking window: 2024 - 2034.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

*******************************

International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
JD 99

Jeb Dunnuck

(Rating 97 - 99). 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. I’ve been visiting with Sine Qua Non for a decade now, and I never cease to be amazed at the quality consistently coming from this address. In addition, Krankl somehow manages to deliver brilliance with just about any variety out there, and whether it’s Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional, Roussanne, or even Petit Manseng, you can expect a truly riveting wine, as well as a wine with singular characteristics. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, particularly for those who don’t drink the wines often, to assume all California cult wines are over-ripe or heavy. The reality, however, couldn’t be more different, and great wines deliver intensity and depth while staying light on their feet and elegant. And these latest releases from Sine Qua Non are great wines. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue date: August 2022. Drinking window: n/a.
RP 99

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The recently bottled 2020 Syrah Distenta II is a blend of 82.9% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah and 2.3% white grapes (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 ruby in color, it opens significantly as it spends time in the decanter, unfolding to cassis, crème de violette, coffee and warm chocolate. The palate embodies weightless power, its concentrated, graphite-laced flavors carried by a velvety, seamless frame, while soft bursts of acidity highlight floral perfume on the long finish. Still very tightly coiled, its intense, latent flavors suggest this has much more to give as it unwinds in bottle. 1,999 cases and 600 magnums will be released in the spring of 2023. Reviewed by Erin Brooks, Issue date: March 2023. Drinking window: 2025 - 2045.
V 98

Vinous

(Rating 96 - 98). 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. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: June 2022. Drinking window: 2024 - 2034.

2020 Sine Qua Non Distenta Syrah, California, USA

Our wines were born of pure passion and a wishful dream – to make something that is so distinctive and so delicious as to make it indispensable to wine lovers the world over. Clearly a rather lofty, even unrealistic notion, but one we decided to pursue anyway. And so, with the 1994 vintage started Sine Qua Non, made a whopping four and a half barrels of Syrah that we called “Queen of Spades.”

That first wine was a much greater hit than we could have ever imagined and it literally changed our life. What started as a hobby, more or less on a whim, has become not only our full-time occupation, but indeed our life. It is now a part of just about everything we do.

These first four and a half barrels have grown into four different vineyard sites (see our Vineyards section please), a good number of wonderfully dedicated and hardworking employees, a new winery building and a simply amazing number of loyal wine lovers the world over. In fact, there are so very many lovely folks interested in our wines that we don’t have enough to go around and instead had to create something as annoying as a waiting list.

We are humbled by all the positive feedback we continuously receive by people like you as well as critics and journalists from all corners of the earth. We take that as our mandate to forever strive to get better, to never compromise and to stay true to ourselves and by extension to all those who have supported us and believed in us since those first 100+ cases of wine left our cellar…now so many years ago.

Although at heart we are a Rhone (Ranger) house where Syrah and Grenache play top fiddle… supported by Mourvedre, Roussanne and Viognier, we have an aversion to labels and dogmas or mindless ritual that are sometimes called tradition. And so, we also grow non-Rhone-origin grapes such as Petit Manseng, Touriga Nacional, Graciano and Petite Sirah. Varieties we believe can work well on a Rhone canvas.

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