I tasted the 2021 Syrah Distenta III as a precise blend from barrel on July 6—it's due to be bottled in August. It comes from three estate vineyards: The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%) and 23% Eleven Confessions (23%). The Syrah is blended with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng and 0.7% Muscat and was vinified using 21% whole clusters. It matured around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43% one- to three-year-old barrels and 4% concrete. Opaque ruby-purple in the glass, the Distenta III's aromatic complexity requires plenty of patience, as a singular truffle, earth and coffee bean character gives way to electric streaks of crème de violette, blueberry liqueur and peppermint patty. The palate is medium to full-bodied and exceptionally light on its feet. It glides silkily through the mouth with fireworks of freshness, and its floral fruit is tempered by graphite tones. Around 1,880 cases and 600 magnums are projected to be released in January of 2024.
98-100 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)
The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is sourced from The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%), and Eleven Confessions (23%) vineyards. The blend is 81.7% Syrah with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvedre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng, and 0.7% Muscat. It was made using 21% whole clusters and then aged around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43.1% one- to three-year-old barrels, and 3.9% concrete. Deep garnet-black in color, it needs a lot of swirling to wake up scents of Turkish Delight, black and red cherries, black raspberries, violets, licorice, and tar with a peppery undercurrent. The full-bodied palate is bright and pure, with firm, velvety tannins and bold freshness supporting the floral-laced black and red fruit flavors, finishing with epic length. Tightly wound and bright as a penny, this should be very long lived. 1,877 cases and 600 magnums were made. I tasted a tank sample that was pulled just prior to bottling at the end of July 2023, to avoid bottle shock.
98-100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Aug 2023)
Scheduled to be bottled in August, the 2021 Syrah Distenta III looks to be another insanely good Syrah from Krankl. Checking in as 82% Syrah, 11% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and a smattering of white varieties, its deep purple hue is followed by classic, cool climate Syrah notes of smoked black fruits, iron, black olives, and meaty, peppery nuances. With incredibly purity, full-bodied richness, and perfectly integrated tannins and acidity, it will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. It's an absolutely magical Syrah in the making.
97-99 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2023)
The 2021 Syrah Distenta III continues the theme seen in the Grenache Distenta III, namely a theme of elegance, finesse and nuance to play off the natural richness these wines always have. Black/purplish fruit, new leather, spice, licorice and chocolate saturate the 2021 with tons of depth. I tasted the 2021 from a tank sample just prior to bottling.
95-98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Sep 2023)
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