About the Wine

"Purchase as many bottles as you can so that you can follow what's sure to be unique savory development in bottle over the next 10 to 15+ years" ~98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

From its humble beginnings in 1994 with just four and a half barrels of Syrah, aptly named "Queen of Spades," Sine Qua Non has emerged as a beacon of quality and innovation in the world of wine.

Springing forth from a modest garage, the evolution of Manfred into a celebrated cult winery is legendary. Following a seven-year wait, we've finally secured a limited allocation of their coveted wines. These bottles embody exclusivity at its finest.

With a commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging traditions, Sine Qua Non has expanded to encompass four distinct vineyard sites, a dedicated team of hardworking individuals, and a global community of loyal wine enthusiasts. The demand for their wines is so high that a waiting list had to be established—a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and undeniable allure of Sine Qua Non.

While rooted in the Rhone tradition, Sine Qua Non embraces diversity, cultivating non-Rhone-origin grapes such as Petit Manseng, Touriga Nacional, Graciano, and Petite Sirah.Each variety is carefully selected to contribute to the rich tapestry of flavors that define Sine Qua Non wines.

At Sine Qua Non, there is no grape growing or winemaking thesis—only a relentless dedication to crafting wines that reflect the essence of Mother Nature and the unique terroir of California. Each glass of Sine Qua Non is a testament to this commitment, offering ripe and flavorful notes balanced by elegance and grace.

Aging: 23 months in 45% new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: 32% Roussanne, 26% Viognier, 25% Chardonnay, 12% Gelber Muskateller and 5% Petit Manseng.See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

The 2020 White Wine Distenta II could be a polarizing wine due to its unique style, intense aromatics and powerful structure, but I can't get enough of this blend of 32% Roussanne, 26% Viognier, 25% Chardonnay, 12% Gelber Muskateller and 5% Petit Manseng. Grapes were sourced from Santa Babara County and beyond, including Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard (52%), The Third Twin Estate Vineyard (22%), Cumulus Estate Vineyard (13%) and Chardonnay from Bien Nacido (13%). It was matured around 23 months in 45% new French oak barrels, puncheons and demi-muids and was bottled in August of 2022. Drinking the White Distenta II is an omakase-like experience, an unexpected journey that begins with naturally bitter phenolics, blossoms into soaring perfume and finishes with dessert-like honeyed tones. On day one, the wine is overt and bold, while day two reveals a fresher, livelier white with finer detail, as if the wine is coming into focus. In the mouth, it's expansive and luxuriously satiny. Despite its powerful style and unabashed ripeness, it carries its 15.8% alcohol expertly and maintains a focused streak of tangy acidity. The finish is especially unique, offering touches of butterscotch that complement its perfumed fruit—a rare combination of aromatic grape varieties and classy new wood that works surprisingly well! If you're a fan of aromatic, textural whites, purchase as many bottles as you can so that you can follow what's sure to be unique savory development in bottle over the next 10 to 15+ years. Only 944 cases were made. ~98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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