dark, and rich, smells smokey. Tastes of fig jam, smoke, and cassis. — 5 years ago
Omg good - prefect construction with some intriguing blackberry seed and purple plum notes that desperately wanted to jump out of the glass. Believe it or not only decanted for 45 mins - created an utter explosion of flavor and power - the wine absolutely amazed me with the intensity and deep flavor
It’s a big wine and it’s not “ready” by scientific standards, but boy oh boy was this thing singing in prefect pitch already with its electric blueberry, blackberry, purple plum and river rock spices - this surreal bombastic wine is reflecting both youth and a seeming modern stylistic character I have not experienced from a previous Manfred wine I have tried
Whatever your preference, it’s hard to deny the expert construction of this particular wine. Captivating, driven, complex, and pure. The only thing missing from this at the moment is some finesse, which I have confidence it will gain over the next few years. Ideally, wait until after 2022++. 98-100 points.
A huge contrast with the 2013 Next of Kyn No.7, which was all balled-up with nowhere to go all night; hyper-vigilantly tannic and on-guard. The 2014 was just as big, but had the presence of amazing flavor to back up its intensity and fortitude. — 6 years ago
viel Holzwürze, warm, Power, breit, dennoch mit Tiefe und viel Saft, komplex, im Abgang alkoholisch. — 7 months ago
This was stunning today; Elixir-esq concentration sporting deep bass notes, a plethora of vital high tones, some carbon, a little graphite and impeccable purity. It would have likely tasted delicious anywhere but to share it with the Krankl family and perfect gentleman turned SQN chevalier @Roman Sukley was an honour and a privilege. It was part of a diamond day and the summit of a 17 year pilgrimage that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Thank you kindly Roman, Manfred, Elaine & August - 2014 — 5 years ago
2003 Sine Qua Non "Omega-Shea Vineyard" Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. 15.5% alcohol. “The Last But Certainly Not The Least.” Y’all know my passion for all things Krankl, but I have a particular soft spot for the SQN Pinots. Maybe it’s because they are no more. But the coolest thing is that they’re not just a fond memory. They’re still making me smile every time I pull the cork. Tonight’s selection continues that trend. In the stem, not a hint of its age. Closer inspection reveals just a touch of amber on the edges. Otherwise crystal clear and light crimson. On the nose, an amazing potpourri. A Black fruit medley. Blackberries, black cherries, black cap raspberries. Chocolate/espresso notes with a hint of woody spices and forest floor. Just a whisper of rosemary. More than ample fruit on the palate with a pleasing nutmeg/dark chocolate chord along with hints of cedar and sandalwood. Sweet and somewhat syrupy but in a good way. Cherry liqueur comes to mind. Voluptuous really. Silky and elegant with a much longer than anticipated finish. Big and powerful, yet balanced and seamless. If you ever get the opportunity to try one of these SQN Pinots, don’t be put off by their age or reviewer scores. They’re unique with that magic Manfred touch. They were perhaps ahead of their time when compared with the big, full-bodied Pinots out there today. In my opinion they are terrific and all still singing! — 6 years ago
Gekoeld, op een warme zomeravond! — a year ago
This is the No. 5 Syrah from Andremily - had it last night. Absolutely terrific bottle. Intense yet elegant at the same time. Very reminiscent of Sine Qua Non (I guess mot surprising given that the owner/winemaker apprenticed with Manfred for many years if I recall correctly). Between this and the mourvedres they’re making, this is definitely a wine list that you want to get on. Great stuff! — 4 years ago
Lemon and tart white stone fruit. Light+ body and nice clean mineral acid finish. Pleasant — 6 years ago
2006 Sine Qua Non "The Raven" Series No. 5
I decided to cut my SQN French class today with all the new French named SQN labels and go slightly old school with the Raven. But instead, I found myself still mired squarely in the Northern Rhône Valley. Perhaps Manfred should have named this one “Corbeau” or “Noir Comme du Charbon” because this one has me thinking Guigal La La. As these older SQN’s age, they seem to take on more Northern Rhône characteristics. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier primarily from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard with small quantities from the Bien Nacido and White Hawk vineyards. Bottled after spending 22 months in oak casks. Potpourri of sweet black and blue fruits, forest floor, Asian spice, bacon fat, tar, black olives and spring flowers on the almost overwhelmingly sumptuous nose. Mind-blowing really.
On the palate, blackberry jam, cracked white pepper, cherries, cinnamon, tobacco and allspice. Opulent mouthfeel. Ethereal texture. Dense, seamless, elegant. Complex, bold, rich and layered. So much finesse. “Tres Bon”Mr. Krankl!
— 6 years ago
Peter van den Besselaar
Vintage 2011 | magnum | divine nectar | paired with Tarte Tatin — 2 months ago