2019 Sine Qua Non, SQN, Cumulus Vineyard, Next of Kyn, Touriga Nacional Numero Cinco, Central Coast, California, Magnum (1.5L)

RP98 - "Every year I say I won't plant any more Touriga Nacional, and every year I plant more," Manfred Krankl quips. "There is no doubt at all that this grape variety has terrific potential in California." The 2019 Touriga Nacional Número Cinco is composed of 82% Touriga Nacional, 9.5% Mourvèdre, 7.8% Petite Sirah and 0.7% Petit Manseng, and fruit comes entirely from the Cumulus estate vineyard. It was made with 32% whole clusters and matured for about 32 months in 48% new French oak. Opaque purple-black in color, the nose is bursting with boysenberries, tar, Morello cherries, sage and bouquet garni aromas, and the full-bodied palate is packed to the brim with floral fruits. Powerful yet elegant, all that fruit is supported by finely grained tannins and notable juicy acidity that highlights nuanced flavors on the extended finish. Bottled May 11, 2022, and tasted May 24, 2022, it's showing beautifully at this stage just after bottling. Due to its extremely limited production (137 cases and 222 magnums), a single bottle will be sold in each Next of Kyn four-pack. It will be released in the fall of 2022." EB for TWA May 2022

AG98 "The 2019 Touriga Nacional – Número Cinco marries textural opulence with plenty of structure. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, incense, spice and graphite infuse the 2019 with tremendous brooding intensity. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle to come together as it is incredibly primary." AG for VM Aug 2022

LP97+ "The very deep purple-black 2019 Touriga Nacional Numero Cinco is composed of 82% Touriga Nacional, 9.5% Mourvèdre, 7.8% Petite Sirah, and 0.7% Petit Manseng. POW! The nose hits you with stewed plums, chocolate-covered cherries, and baked blueberries scents, followed up by a profound, caressing, fecund earthiness—truffles, crushed rocks, tar, and loam, plus a savory touch of black olives and sautéed herbs. Full-bodied and voluptuous in the mouth, it has sturdy, intriguingly textured tannins with a lively line of acidity lifting all those earthy/savory layers to a long, long finish. Fascinating wine.137 cases and 222 magnums were made." LPB for TWI Aug 2022