2021 Sine Qua Non Next of Kyn Touriga Nacional Numero Tres
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Tasting notes
As with Graciano under their Third Twin label, I don't think there's anyone out there making a better rendition of Touriga Nacional than Krankl. His 2021 Touriga Nacional Cumulus Vineyard checks in as 82% Touriga Nacional, 14% Syrah, and 4% Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed (11% whole clusters) and spent 30 months in 42% new barrels. It offers up a killer nose of red and blue fruits interwoven with Rhône-like garrigue, pepper, and sandalwood nuances. These carry to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet graceful 2021 that has beautifully integrated tannins, a seamless mouthfeel, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It will most likely merit a perfect score in 4-5 years, and I'd be shocked if it didn't have two decades of overall longevity. The Next of Kyn releases come from Sine Qua Non’s Manfred and Elaine Krankl and focus on their Cumulus Vineyard located just outside of Oak View, not far from Ojai, planted around their house and winery. Planted in 2004 (and 2008) to Syrah, Grenache, and Roussanne, as well as small amounts of Touriga Nacional, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, and even Petite Manseng, it’s the warmest terroir they work with and is the first vineyard under the Krankl umbrella to be harvested. There are two wines under this label: the classic Rhone Blend that gets a release number (i.e., No 15 Cumulus Vineyard) and a tiny production Touriga Nacional.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Sourced from the Krankl's Cumulus Vineyard and containing 14% Syrah and 4% Petit Manseng, the 2021 Touriga Nacional Número Sete spent 30 months in 42% new French oak. Nearly completely opaque in color, the nose opens with deep, dense aromas of dried clove, tobacco leaf, graphite, black plums and chocolate-covered dark fruit aromas, with increasingly savory and woody notes appearing after time in the glass. The palate is an absolute behemoth, with a blocky, gargantuan density that reaches its logical conclusion in a staining, saturated, concentrated finish framed with chewy tannins. This is equally clear testimony to the sheer mass achievable with Touriga Nacional and the lavish decadence that can be applied to it if one desires.
The 2021 Touriga Nacional - Número Siete is terrific, but it is also a very young wine that will need time in bottle to blossom. All of the pedigree of this great vintage comes through loud and clear. Readers should plan on cellaring this for at least a few years. Dried herbs, lavender, licorice and cool, blue-toned fruit are all beautifully delineated throughout. Dollops of Syrah and Petit Manseng round out the blend, with an added kick of floral nuance from the 11% stems.
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.