Very interesting Cepage rose of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Caladoc — 3 years ago
Strong blackcurrant notes immediately upon opening. Smells of spice/pepper and a smokiness with a hint of Lapsang souchong. On the palate also a smoky notes with spice and pepper. Herby notes (thyme, light sage) on the finish. Reasonable but smooth tannins and mild acidity. Interesting to see any development. Rating takes into account pricing and very enjoyable.... — 5 years ago
Cool price for a cool wine — 3 years ago
Full bodied, dry, complex flavor including fruit and floral notes, minerality. Like a good unoaked Chardonnay. — 5 years ago
A really fun Petit Verdot/Malbec blend. Always fun to blind taste this and guess the unique combo. — 6 years ago
2008 Next of Kyn (Sine Qua Non) "Cumulus Vineyard No. 2" Central Coast Syrah. Pictured next to the inaugural vintage box, and documenting my disturbing inability to remove the cork in one piece, let’s begin with a quote from Manfred regarding the genesis of the brand: “The name is in reference to the fact that it is the next closest relative to SINE QUA NON, yet it is separate and different, and with its own personality, character and style. Implied is also a dose of hopefulness, of wishful thinking, that one of our five kids will someday take it over as his or her own.” (Unless my reverse adoption petition is granted, fingers crossed). The wines all emanate from Cumulus Vineyard, the Krankls’ first true estate vineyard. Most of the Syrah is planted on own-rooted, head-trained vines. The first three vintages were essentially Syrah-based, with some Grenache and Roussanne, all done with fully destemmed fruit. The wine spends around 30 months in French oak, with around 50% new oak. This particular vintage, which might very well be my favorite, is absolutely firing on all cylinders right now on its 10th Anniversary. So good in fact, that I will be looking to pick up a few more asap. 4 hour decant. Midnight black in the stem. Darker even than the 17th Nail from a week ago. Gorgeous bouquet of freshly baked, smokey blueberry pie cooling on the windowsill next to a vase of violets and lavender. Pleasing palate of sweet black cherry compote, licorice and Asian spices with just a hint of bacon fat. Lengthy, spicy finish. Beautiful structure. Lush and concentrated. I may need to add this to my guilty pleasures list as I don’t believe this was a critical standout. At least not by Manfred Krankl standards. Maybe the experts need to revisit?
— 6 years ago
Dry dry nice palate med body balanced and flavorful dark grape et al berries…almost almost elegant for unusual Napa genesis. Worth a 2nd try another time & same place… — 3 years ago
Minerally different personality, rich, genesis and fresh. 60 yo vines. Pressed w stems — 5 years ago
Rough and tumble. A granddads bourbon - I love it. — 6 years ago
Benjamin Cadmus
Good food at Genesis Restaurant — 2 years ago