2020 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Cumulus Vineyard, Next of Kyn, Central Coast, California, Case of 4 Btls [3 No-14 & 1 Touriga Nacional]

RP100 "I tasted the 2020 Touriga Nacional Número Seis on July 6, not long after it was bottled on March 23. Entirely from the Cumulus Vineyard in Oak View, it is blended with 7.4% Syrah, 6.8% Petite Sirah and 1.8% Petit Manseng. It was vinified using 30% whole clusters and matured in 39% new French oak for around 30 months. Although the entire Krankl portfolio this year is excellent, the Touriga Nacional stands apart in its superb balance and singular expression. It has a wild, perfumed core reminiscent of Zinfandel with a kaleidoscope of Griotte cherry, wild berry jam, rooibos tea, autumn leaves, orange peel and graphite. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with perfumed fruit, which has already subsumed most of its new oak. It has loads of ripe, grainy tannins to support all that flavor, and it sports a very long, nuanced finish." EB for TWA Aug 2023

LP100 "The 2020 Next of Kyn No14 is all from the Cumulus Vineyard (the Krankls' home vineyard in Oak View) and is composed of 41% Grenache, 27% Petite Sirah, 25% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvèdre and 1.5% Petit Manseng. It was made using 35% whole clusters and aged for around 30 months in French oak, 23% new. The color is a deep garnet-black. The nose is so so perfumed, delivering a scent concoction of raspberry coulis, kirsch, redcurrant preserves, and intense roses followed by subtle wafts of garrigue, black pepper, lavender, fallen leaves, and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate is rich yet with remarkable tension, delivering a spray of floral and exotic spice-laced red berry flavors. The texture is super-plush yet firm and the flamboyant finish goes on forever. It's impressive how the soft tannins of the Grenache and the firm tannins of the Petite Sirah fit together like puzzle pieces! The wine was bottled on 23 March 2023. 351 cases and 222 magnums were made." LPB for TWI Aug 2023