2017 Next of Kyn No. 11 Cumulus Vineyard

This cuvée comes entirely from the Krankl’s “home” vineyard—the Cumulus vineyard in Oak View, just south and inland from Santa Barbara, on the road to Ojai. There are now just over 12.5 acres planted at Cumulus. The first plantings of Syrah, Grenache and Roussanne took place in 2004. A little more Grenache was planted in 2005. Then in 2008, small blocks of Petite Manseng, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah were added, including 3.5 acres on its own roots. The 2017 Cumulus Vineyard No. 11 is composed of 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 10.6% Petite Sirah, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 2.2% Petit Manseng and 1.7% Roussanne, using 23% whole clusters. It spent around 33 months in French oak barrels, 68% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose begins with delicate savory notes of black olives, Indian spices, cracked black pepper and charcuterie, giving way to a core of fruitcake, preserved plums, menthol and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is completely coated with dense black fruit preserves and exotic spices, supported by soft, rounded tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with impressive restraint and refinement. 380 cases and 218 magnums were made.

The 2017 Next of Kyn is dense, plush and explosive right out of the glass. Black cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, cloves and leather meld together in a wine of remarkable depth and intensity. The 2017 is decidedly somber and dense in feel. I tasted it just prior to bottling. Naturally, it will be interesting to see how it turns out in bottle. The 2017 is 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 10.6% Petite Sirah, 2.2% Petit Manseng and 1.7% Roussanne, done with about 23% whole clusters. Aging is expected to be 32 months or so in barrel, 68% new.

Pure perfection, the 2017 No 11 comes all from the estate Cumulus Vineyard around the estate in Oak View and is 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 10.6% Petite Sirah, and the balance a mix of white varieties including Petit Manseng and Roussanne. Fermented with 23% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 68% new French oak, this incredible 2017 boasts a saturated purple hue to go with full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, bouquet garni, ground pepper, white chocolate, and cured meats. Incredibly complex, flawlessly balanced, and with a seamless texture that needs to be tasted to be believed, this is a magical blend from California that can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 15-20 years. Hats off to the Krankl family for another truly special wine!