2021 Next of Kyn Cumulus Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
Red and blue fruits, ground pepper, sandalwood, new leather, and who knows what else emerges from 2021 No 15 Cumulus Vineyard, another absolutely sensational effort from this genius of a winemaker. Based on 40% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah, and the balance white varieties, it's full-bodied, has a deep, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. It picks up more floral nuances with time in the glass and has a rare mix of richness, elegance, and purity. These 2021s from Krankl are clearly on another level. Give this just 2-4 years if you can, and enjoy bottles over the following 15-20 years. 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
Aged for 30 months in 53% new French oak, the 2021 Cumulus Vineyard No. 15 combines 40% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah and 4% Petit Manseng. The nose combines towering red and black fruit aromas supplemented with herbal, citrus and tobacco accents that assemble around a perceptible core of ethanol. The palate is polished and seamless, with a bit more grace than found elsewhere in the lineup, but ultimately defined by similar luxurious, voluptuous textures and sweet-fruited concentration. The finish displays vibrant acidity and rich, swelling, fine-grained tannins but concludes with an alcohol-induced burn. The textures and overall vision on display here are to be admired, but the ultimate complexity, age-worthiness and balance are on their back foot due to the spirituous nature of much of the lineup.
The 2021 No. 15 Cumulus Vineyard is a total stunner. It's also a pretty radical departure from most years in that Grenache drives the blend. That comes through in the wine's captivating aromatics and gorgeous, layered fruit. Crushed rose petal, red cherry, plum, mint, mocha and dried herbs infuse the palate with notable depth. The 2021 is flat-out stunning—that’s all there is to it. The blend is 40% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah and 4% Petit Manseng. There's a touch of stem inclusion (7%), but not much.
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.