Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta IV 2022

Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta IV 2022

Sine Qua Non is one of California’s most famous wine producers. Based just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, and with most of its vineyards in Santa Barbara, it eschews the usual image of top California wine as being only from Napa Valley. That is not the only thing eschewed at Sine Qua Non – the same wine is rarely made more than once, turning the idea of the American icon wine on its head.

Critical Acclaim

98 Jeb Dunnuck

Incorporating 6% Grenache, 5% Petite Sirah, 3% Mourvèdre, and 3% white varieties, the 2022 Syrah Distenta IV is another ripe, layered, full-bodied 2022 that’s going to deliver the goods. Ample blue fruits, kirsch liqueur, pepper, and tons of spicy notes all shine here, and this puppy has a layered, velvety mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and awesome length. It’s going to shine right out of the gate and is a good counterpoint to the more focused, cooler styled 2021s.

96 Vinous

The 2022 Syrah Distenta IV is a potent, tightly wound wine. Interestingly, the Syrah is also much less accessible than the Grenache in this vintage. Readers will have to be patient with the Distenta IV as it is not all forthcoming, its notable textural richness notwithstanding. I tasted the 2022 from a sample prepared just prior to bottling. I expect the finished wine to be more giving. Dollops of Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Muscat and Petit Manseng round out the blend.