2017 Touriga Nacional Numero Tres
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Tasting notes
The third time the Krankls have released a Touriga Nacional-dominated release, I'd say the 2017 Touriga Nacional Numero Tres is the finest yet. If you'd told me this variety could produce a wine of this quality a decade ago, I'd have thought you were crazy, but the proof is in the pudding, as they say. Based on a blend of 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah, and 6% Grenache, it comes 100% from the Cumulus Vineyard in Oak View and spent 33 months in 60% new French oak. There are a tiny 89 cases produced. Its deep purple hue is followed by a majestic bouquet of black cherries, cassis, blackberries, toasted spices, and flowery incense. With medium to full-bodied richness, a flawlessly balanced, elegant texture, silky tannins, and a saliva-inducing finish, it has one of the longest finishes in a wine I've encountered. I have no idea how this will evolve over the long-term, but I can't imagine it not benefiting from 2-4 years of bottle age and drinking brilliantly for at least 10-15 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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This cuvée comes entirely from the Krankl’s “home” vineyard—the Cumulus vineyard—from a small, one-acre 2008 planting. The 2017 Touriga Nacional Numero Tres is a blend of 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah and 6% Grenache using 44% whole clusters. It spent around 33 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Very deep garnet-purple, the nose is a little reticent to begin, offering broody tar, new leather and fertile loam suggestions before giving way to come-hither scents of baked black plums, blackberry pie, dark chocolate, candied violets, pencil lead, menthol and dried roses. The first thing that hits you on the decadent, full-bodied palate is the texture—like stroking a kitten in your mouth. Wonderful freshness electrifies the bright, crunchy black fruits, developing into a long-lingering perfumed finish. Stunning! While it is delicious and certainly approachable right now, I would recommend laying this down for 4-5 years at least, to allow all the tightly wound nuances to emerge. It should continue to give pleasure for the next 20-25+ years. 89 cases and 223 magnums were made.
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.