98-100 pointsWine Advocate:“I tasted the 2021 Syrah Distenta III as a precise blend from barrel on July 6it’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% Mourvdre, 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 crme 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. (EB)”

97-99 pointsJeb Dunnuck:“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 Mourvdre, 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.”

95-98 pointsVinous:“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. (AG)”