2003 Mr K The Iceman Eiswein
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(for 375 ml.; Krankl's last gewurztraminer ice wine, because the Babcocks tore out these old vines; 236 grams per liter residual sugar with 7.6 grams of acidity) Medium gold. Exotic, highly aromatic nose of crushed pineapple and exotic spices. Incredibly viscous and superconcentrated, but with palate-cleansing acidity and a gingery character giving vibrancy to theflavors. Like anessence of crushed fresh fruit; thick as a solid without being heavy. Endless finishingflavor of pure pineapple.
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Krankl sighed when he announced the 2003 Mr. K The Iceman, which was sourced from the Babcock Vineyard, will be the last example since the vineyard is being replanted. With 11.1% alcohol, 236 grams of residual sugar per liter, and 7.62 grams of total acidity per liter, this wine shows a kinky, honeyed intensity with notes of caramelized lychees, honeysuckle, cloves, and peaches. Extremely full-bodied, with unbelievable sweetness as well as fabulous balance, it goes on and on. Like all of these Mr. K sweeties, it’s a meal in itself. The world’s most profound wines are always made by the same kind of people ... artists, craftspeople, revolutionaries, and traditionalists who have one overwhelming trait in common ... they are irrefutably dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, and their hearts, souls, and enormous talents are reflected in wines of singular personality and achievement. There are never any compromises, so it is no surprise that what takes place in these cellars is the transformation of a commonplace beverage into a form of drinkable art! Manfred Krankl and his charming wife, Elaine (referred to by Krankl as “E”), are on a roll given what has emerged from their funky warehouse/garage winery located in what looks like a discarded Hollywood set from the movie Mad Max. Finding a bottle or two of Sine Qua Non is no easy task since virtually all these wines are sold to longtime mailing list clients as well as the country’s finest upscale restaurants. However, some relief is in sight as Krankl is beginning to get fruit from his own Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. Moreover, he planted another vineyard in Ventura County on a bald outcropping that should produce some fascinating Rhone varietals. The upcoming releases all reveal Krankl’s magic touch, and like some of the finest wineries working with Rhone varietals, Manfred Krankl is a creative blender, recognizing that blends generally result in more nuances and flavor complexity than a single varietal cuvee. Tel. (805) 649-8901
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.