2017 Sine Qua Non Next of Kyn Numero Tres Touriga Nacional [WA98+][JD98][V95-97]

Producer: Sine Qua Non   
Region: Central Coast, California 
Blend: 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah, and 6% Grenache  
Year: 2017 

Wine Advocate, 98+ Points 

"This cuvée comes entirely from the Krankl’s “home” vineyard—the Cumulus vineyard—from a small, one-acre 2008 planting. The 2017 Touriga Nacional Numero Tres is a blend of 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah and 6% Grenache using 44% whole clusters. It spent around 33 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Very deep garnet-purple, the nose is a little reticent to begin, offering broody tar, new leather and fertile loam suggestions before giving way to come-hither scents of baked black plums, blackberry pie, dark chocolate, candied violets, pencil lead, menthol and dried roses. The first thing that hits you on the decadent, full-bodied palate is the texture—like stroking a kitten in your mouth. Wonderful freshness electrifies the bright, crunchy black fruits, developing into a long-lingering perfumed finish. Stunning! While it is delicious and certainly approachable right now, I would recommend laying this down for 4-5 years at least, to allow all the tightly wound nuances to emerge. It should continue to give pleasure for the next 20-25+ years." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 98 Points 

"The third time the Krankls have released a Touriga Nacional-dominated release, I'd say the 2017 Touriga Nacional Numero Tres is the finest yet. If you'd told me this variety could produce a wine of this quality a decade ago, I'd have thought you were crazy, but the proof is in the pudding, as they say. Based on a blend of 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah, and 6% Grenache, it comes 100% from the Cumulus Vineyard in Oak View and spent 33 months in 60% new French oak. There are a tiny 89 cases produced. Its deep purple hue is followed by a majestic bouquet of black cherries, cassis, blackberries, toasted spices, and flowery incense. With medium to full-bodied richness, a flawlessly balanced, elegant texture, silky tannins, and a saliva-inducing finish, it has one of the longest finishes in a wine I've encountered. I have no idea how this will evolve over the long-term, but I can't imagine it not benefiting from 2-4 years of bottle age and drinking brilliantly for at least 10-15 years." 

Vinous, 95-97 Points 

"A totally stunning wine, the 2017 Touriga Nacional – Número Três marries the richness of the vintage with a good deal of freshness and energy to balance things out. Tasted from barrel just prior to bottling, the 2017 comes across as taut, which will probably serve it well over time. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, plum, menthol, licorice and blood orange all develop in the glass, but it is the wine’s persistence and energy that make the strongest impression. The 2017 is a flat out stunner. Dollops of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache round out the blend." 

Alcohol: 15.8% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.