2022 Next of Kyn Cumulus Vineyard No. 16

The 16th release of this cuvée, the 2022 No 16 Cumulus Vineyard comes all from the Cumulus Vineyard, which was planted in 2004 around the estate in Oak View. A blend of 78% Petite Sirah, 12.3% Touriga Nacional, 6.7% Mourvèdre, and 3% white varieties, it was fermented with 20% whole clusters and spent 30 months in 36% new French oak. Blackberries, roasted meats, leather, smoke, and iron nuances all flow from this beauty. Full-bodied and balanced, with a deep, layered mid-palate, it's velvety and voluptuous on the palate, with nicely integrated acidity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This is a big, concentrated, powerful wine that's just about overflowing with character. Give bottles 3-4 years if you can and it should keep for 15+ in cold cellars. Drink 2028-2043. 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.

The 2022 No. 16 Cumulus Vineyard leads the charge with a healthy proportion of Petite Sirah (78%), most of which is own-rooted, as the Krankls aim to move this cuvée away from Syrah dominance and toward a truer representation of the makeup of their home vineyard. The No. 16 is a monstrous, bombastic wine that's amplified in every dimension. Blackberry preserves, black licorice, star anise, chaparral, French vanilla and powerful peppery nuances saturate the palate with confidence and unashamed opulence. The inclusion of 20% whole clusters across the blend exalts the natural structure of Petite Sirah in a very warm, dry vintage, while the 12.3% Touriga Nacional in the blend provides propulsive, mouthwatering acidity. This could use a couple of years to integrate some of its youthful exuberance.

The 2022 No. 16 Cumulus Vineyard leads the charge with a healthy proportion of Petite Sirah (78%), most of which is own-rooted, as the Krankls aim to move this cuvée away from Syrah dominance and toward a truer representation of the makeup of their home vineyard. The No. 16 is a monstrous, bombastic wine that's amplified in every dimension. Blackberry preserves, black licorice, star anise, chaparral, French vanilla and powerful peppery nuances saturate the palate with confidence and unashamed opulence. The inclusion of 20% whole clusters across the blend exalts the natural structure of Petite Sirah in a very warm, dry vintage, while the 12.3% Touriga Nacional in the blend provides propulsive, mouthwatering acidity. This could use a couple of years to integrate some of its youthful exuberance.