Pure perfection, the 2017 No 11 comes all from the estate Cumulus Vineyard around the estate in Oak View and is 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 10.6% Petite Sirah, and the balance a mix of white varieties including Petit Manseng and Roussanne. Fermented with 23% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 68% new French oak, this incredible 2017 boasts a saturated purple hue to go with full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, bouquet garni, ground pepper, white chocolate, and cured meats. Incredibly complex, flawlessly balanced, and with a seamless texture that needs to be tasted to be believed, this is a magical blend from California that can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 15-20 years. Hats off to the Krankl family for another truly special wine!

Next of Kyn is the label of Elaine and Manfred Krankl (owners/creators of Sine Qua Non), based entirely on fruit from their home vineyard in Oakville, called Cumulus vineyard. This 2017 vintage is composed of 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 10.6% Petite Sirah, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 1.7% Roussanne and 2.2% Petit Manseng, using 23% whole clusters. It spent around 32 months in French oak barrels, 68% new.

The 2017 Next of Kyn is dense, plush and explosive right out of the glass. Black cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, cloves and leather meld together in a wine of remarkable depth and intensity. The 2017 is decidedly somber and dense in feel. I tasted it just prior to bottling. Naturally, it will be interesting to see how it turns out in bottle. The 2017 is 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 10.6% Petite Sirah, 2.2% Petit Manseng and 1.7% Roussanne, done with about 23% whole clusters. Aging is expected to be 32 months or so in barrel, 68% new.