2006 Sine Qua Non Viognier Mr K The Ice Man
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Tasting notes
(for 375 ml.; made from frozen grapes from the Bien Nacido Vineyard) Deep yellow-gold. Intensely spicy aromas of vibrant peach and apricot are enlivened by steely minerality. Lush and sweet but vibrant, with vivid pit fruit flavors, tactile sweetness and outstanding clarity. Possesses a taffeta-like texture, finishing with grip, supple acids and lingering honey and orange marmalade character. Krankl avoids botrytis for his ice wines because he believes that true ice wine should show "the marrow of the fruit" and that botrytis overrides the variety."
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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To be released next year, the 2006 Mr. K. The Iceman (287 grams of residual sugar and 9.4% alcohol) possesses zesty acidity as well as extraordinary complexity. It should rival some of the world’s greatest sweet wines. To reiterate, it is a challenge to analyze these wines. I know they are distinctive, and I think I am beginning to understand why they are so much greater than just about every other Syrah or Grenache-based wine in California. In short, it is talent and incredibly meticulous hard work. No one works as hard or is as maniacal about a vineyard’s viticulture and winemaking as Manfred Krankl. Take that, add in exceptional talent, humility, top-notch vineyards, and I believe I understand the fundamentals of why these wines are so special. 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.