2021 Distenta III White
Buying options
Tasting notes
An absolute blockbuster of a white as well as a perfect wine, the 2021 Distenta III White offers up a vivid gold hue as well as incredible aromatics of stone fruits, toasted bread, green almond, and fresh croissants. This is no lightweight quaffer, and it brings full-bodied richness and depth while at the same time staying flawlessly balanced, light on its feet, pure, and precise. This heavenly white will benefit from a year in bottle and, I suspect, have over a decade of prime drinking, although I see no need to push the aging curve. The blend is 33% Chardonnay, 27% Viognier, 24% Gelber Muskateller, 12% Roussanne, and the rest Petit Manseng, with the élevage spanning 23 months in 53% new oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 White Wine Distenta III blends 33% Chardonnay, 27% Viognier, 24% Gelber Muskateller, 12% Roussanne and 4% Petit Manseng, the latter pair co-fermented. It hails mainly from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, with inclusions from The Third Twin and Cumulus. It spent 23 months in 52% new French puncheon and demi-muids. The nose is extremely floral and exuberant, with honeyed, exotic aromas of stone fruit, citrus oil, pine needles, mint and noticeable alcohol after increased aeration. The palate is weighty and oily, centered around a decedent core of polished stone fruit flavors underpinned by tangy acidity. The finish is texturally clean and focused but gradually develops to reveal distracting, spirituous sensations.
The 2021 White Wine Distenta III is a wild, exotic white. Ginger, passion fruit, spice and lemon confit are all woven together in the glass. Extended lees-stirring of 8-12 months really builds texture. The 2021 is rich and creamy but not at all heavy. Intensely perfumed overtones extend the finish. The Distenta III is a gorgeous wine in every way. The blend is 33% Chardonnay, 27% Viognier, 24% Gelber Muskateller, 12% Roussanne and 4% Petit Manseng. This is the first vintage with a high percentage of Muscat, an approach that is so successful here.
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.