2022 Next of Kyn Touriga Nacional Numero Oito

Based on 78% Touriga Nacional, 12.9% Mourvèdre, 8.1% Syrah, and 1.0% Petit Manseng, all from the Cumulus Vineyard around the estate in Oak View, the 2022 Touriga Nacional Numero Oito was completely destemmed and aged 30 months in 35% new French oak, with the balance in 1- to 3-year-old barrels. Red and black fruit, leather, graphite, and chalky minerality dominate the bouquet, with more violet and pepper notes emerging with air. Beautifully textured and full-bodied, it has nicely balanced, integrated acidity, showing a remarkably elegant, nuanced style that's going to evolve gracefully over the coming 15 years or more. Drink 2025-2040. 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 in 2004 and 2008 around their house and winery, the vineyard includes Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne, Touriga Nacional, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and even Petite Manseng. It's the warmest terroir they work with and is typically the first vineyard harvested. The two wines here continue the established format, with the No 16 Cumulus Vineyard being the numbered Rhône-style blend, though this vintage is Petite Sirah-dominant rather than the typical Rhône blend, while the Touriga Nacional Numero Oito showcases the Portuguese variety. Both wines spent 30 months in roughly 35% new French oak. The No 16 includes 20% whole clusters and is the bigger, more powerful wine that needs several years in the cellar. These are unique, concentrated, blockbuster beauties that offer something genuinely different in the California landscape.