2019 The Third Twin, Graciano, California, Bottle (750ml)

LP98 "The very deep purple-black colored 2019 Graciano is a blend of 90% Graciano, 6% Petite Sirah, and 4% Syrah. It sails out of the glass on a mighty wind of baked black plums, boysenberry preserves, prunes, star anise, lifted morello cherries, and lilacs, with an earthy waft of iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate is fantastically structured with bags of bright, tangy fruit intermingled with decedent richness, finishing long and opulent. Only 74 cases were made." LPB for TWI Aug 2022

AG98 "The 2019 Graciano is stunning. Deep, plush and explosive, the 2019 possesses remarkable intensity in every dimension. Black fruit, licorice, spice, chocolate and incense infuse the 2019 with striking textural resonance. The 2019 Graciano is one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Sadly, there are just 74 cases to go around." AG for VM Jun 2022

Lisa Perrotti-Brown writes for The Wine Independent, "All of Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s wines are unique, but this one is particularly rare. It is made from a little-known Spanish variety, Graciano, which has also found its way to parts of Australia and California. Produced in minuscule quantities since 2014, The Third Twin’s Graciano has quickly become the world’s greatest example of this grape. “Graciano ripens like Grenache,” Manfred said. “It ripens late, and unless it fully ripens, it is not interesting. It needs a lot of hang time.” The Third Twin is a medium-warm site. The soil is almost pure sand, especially the sections of newer plantings. “The ripening process is a little more condensed than the other vineyards.”" Published: Aug 24, 2022