Tons of red, blue, and black fruits as well as peppery herbs and liquid violet-like nuances emerge from the 2020 Syrah Distenta II, a full-bodied, concentrated, remarkably balanced barrel sample that's based on 83% Syrah, 7.5% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Muscat, and Petit Manseng. I love its mid-palate, it has ripe, sweet tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's unquestionably a brilliant wine in the making. 
(8/2022)
The 2020 Syrah Distenta II, bottled in late July of 2022, is beginning to tighten ever-so-slightly since I last tasted it in early 2023, although its merits as an archetypal Syrah are still on display. It incorporates fruit from all four estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (33%), Cumulus (21%), and Molly Aïda (3%). It's blended with 7.5% Grenache, 3.9% Mourvèdre, 3.4% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Muscat and 0.8% Petit Manseng, was vinified using 16% whole clusters and matured for around 23 months in 66% new French oak barrels. It has a deep ruby color and heart-stopping aromas of blackcurrants, violets, bitter chocolate and coffee grounds, which blossom over time to tones of prosciutto and mint. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet nuanced with a harmonious balance of powdery tannins and refreshing acidity, and it wears its alcohol expertly. It has a long finish that hints at more savory character to come, but it will require plenty of time in the bottle. 2,000 cases and 600 magnums were made. (EB) 98+ (8/2023)