2017 Next of Kyn No~11 Cumulus Vineyard
Community Tasting Note
csimm wrote:
Monday, May 2, 2022 - A smooth operator with a cool blackberry, plum, and black cherry core that is flanked by flecks of raspberry and purple licorice notes (…no need to ask me what purple licorice tastes like. I have no idea. It just tastes like this wine – just go with it). Camphor, railroad tie, and brushy campfire flavors emerge after a few hours in the decanter, adding interest and layered depth. By the third hour in open air, things really start to pick up in terms of depth and concentration. The edges are so seamless, it’s almost as if the polish is going to be too sterilized. Yet the flavors undulate on the palate with a glide that can only be signature Manfred. Cascades along with a ton of swirling flavors intermingling, amalgamating, and separating again. Unresolved for sure, but a fun carnival of flavors to experience even now.
As the scholarly Gomer Pyle once said, “SUR-PRISE, SUR-PRISE, SUR-PRISE,” opening this early did in fact rob it of its even-more-awesomeness to come. So then, as I always seem to default to in most everything Krankl, this NoK will be banging after 10-years from vintage. Hold until 2027, though it is super compelling juice now. 96-97+ points.
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7 comments have been posted
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Comment posted by csimm:
5/7/2022 7:25:00 AM - You are too kind my friend! My tasting notes can be a bit goofy I admit, but oh well. I guess I just figure wine ain’t as serious as some folks make it out to be. :)
That purple note can be really compelling and distinctive for me with SQN - especially the Syrah or the NoK offerings that have a healthy dose of Syrah. The Grenache end frequently exhibits that tarry black cherry flavor that gives the wines such depth, especially with some age. As much as over-modernity and over-manipulation can plague a wine and rob it of any terroir expression, Krankl is a Blade Runner that skirts that line near-perfectly with each vintage (generally).
Comment posted by RhoneWho:
4/20/2023 4:13:00 PM - Hi CSIMM,
Just got allocated 2020 NoK. I have been a fan of SQN labels from 2013+. (2018 Ziehharmonika syrah is my favorite syrah). I'm wondering what is the x-factor or differentiator to buy NoK over SQN syrahs.
Thank, RW
Comment posted by csimm:
4/20/2023 4:42:00 PM - Hi RW. NoK is SQN's take on the GSM-ish blend. As you know, the standard namesake SQN label is the white, Syrah, and Grenache (and 11 Confessions Syrah and Grenache). Third Twin changes every vintage. One vintage was Petite Sirah based, one was mostly Mouved., one was more Grenache, 2019 was more of a GSM, etc. Nok is traditionally a "true-ish" 30/30/30 GSM blend with tiny sprinklings of other varietals.
With that, I find that Manfred does some of his best work in blending, meaning that I find the NoK wines to be some of the most interesting. I love the Z Syrah as well (though it was going through a tantrum phase when I last had it - keep holding those for now), and each vintage is a bit different of course, but for me, NoK may end up some of the most complex wines if given some age. I'm typically a Syrah monger generally speaking (I'm less of a redder fruit guy), but the NoKs have a lot going on in the complexity department for me (the are still huge wines of course and need time to settle down like everything Manfred puts together), but I think NoK may actually have better polish than his other wines.
Comment posted by RhoneWho:
4/21/2023 4:50:00 AM - CSIMM,
Thanks. It sounds like it's worth getting some to try at the premium of about 30% of SQN syrah! The reality i think NoK needs more bottle aging for 5-8+ years probably best at ~8-10 years like Alban Seymour / Lorraine.
Merci, RW
Comment posted by csimm:
4/21/2023 7:40:00 AM - The rise in the premium is always an issue. When you start watching the auction lots and retail, the DTC allocation prices start getting sneakingly close to that. From a consumer standpoint, that’s always a little bit of a touchy area.
As far as time in bottle, I think you’re probably right, though I do think NoK can possibly be consumed around the same as the standard Syrah and Grenache. The SQN 11 Confessions certainly need at least 10 years if not 15 sometimes… of course, depending on the profile expression you are looking for. I always drink them too young (which is just an impatience issue on my part) but recognize that they need more time.
Comment posted by RhoneWho:
4/21/2023 8:06:00 AM - Haha Carpe Diem my friend! 2016 vintage has been drinking very well last 2 years ... recent trip t o CDP, 2017 vintage is also singing well too :)
Comment posted by csimm:
4/21/2023 8:18:00 AM - That's all the convincing I need! :)