2022 Fingers Crossed, Life and Death, Assortment Case [2 Grenache, 2 Syrah, 2 White], California, Case of 6 btls

RP95+ "The 2022 White Wine Life And Death is a blend of 69.5% Chardonnay, 26.9% Roussanne and 3.6% Marsanne from the Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido and Stolpman Vineyards. It spent 22 months in 85% new French oak. The nose here is a striking combination of waxy and layered aromas of stone fruit, tropical fruits, bright spice tones and an undercurrent of pleasing caramel richness. The palate is lavish and quite full-bodied, displaying impressive power and polish while remaining energetic and focused. It concludes with a succulent, clean acid profile that welcomely braces its otherwise massive frame. This was very enjoyable and should be fascinating to follow through bottling into its aging curve." ML for TWA Aug 2024

"The 2022 Syrah Life And Death is the first single-variety bottling from Fingers Crossed. It was sourced from Bien Nacido and Stolpman Vineyards, fermented with 18% whole clusters and aged for 21 months in 61% new French oak. True to the varietal makeup, the nose is darkly fruited and streaked with hints of black pepper, framed with a dusty, herbal quality that melds with touches of alcoholic heat. The palate is ripe, soft and luscious in texture, transitioning to a gritty, slightly hot finish. This was a moving target in the glass and could improve after bottling, although that back-end burn is problematic." ML 93 Pts for TWA Aug 2024

"Tasted as a final blend shortly before bottling, the 2022 Red Wine Life And Death is composed of 43.5% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre, 13% Graciano and 8.5% Petite Sirah. It was fermented with 25% whole clusters and spent 21 months in 70% new French oak. The nose opens with aromas of muddled black and red fruits, bramble, cracked leather and traces of alcohol fumes, with woody, new oak aromas increasing in intensity after aeration. Typical of this lineup, the palate is plush, precise and focused. However, it concludes with a short finish that more prominently displays the alcoholic heat first hinted at on the nose. While I may have caught this in an awkward state before bottling, the obtrusive alcohol levels cause me to question its ultimate balance." ML 93 Pts for TWA Aug 2024

"Nikolas and Julia Krankl's Fingers Crossed project is another planet that orbits the central star of Sine Qua Non, as can be ascertained in the luxurious style and avant-garde packaging of these aromatically intriguing and texturally pleasing wines. That said, many of the reds tasted here display obtrusive alcoholic heat, jeopardizing their harmony and longevity. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality, length and dimension of their white wines, which stood out, in my view, as the most singular and complete wines in the lineup. I would love to see this younger generation take what was so painstakingly achieved at Sine Qua Non and update it for the contemporary vinous landscape." ML for RobertParker.com Published: Aug 01, 2024