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.

The 2020 Grenache Distenta II is a powerful, driving wine. In this tasting, the Grenache comes across as a bit compact. I imagine some of the stress of this warm dry season has an impact here, even though the yields were actually on the higher side. It will be interesting to see if this gains a bit more body in aging. All that said, the 2020 finishes with very good freshness.