2022 Next of Kyn No. 16 | Cumulus Vineyard, Santa Barbara County California 750ml

78% Petite Sirah 12.3% Touriga Nacional 6.7% 3% White Varietals

The 16th release of this cuvee, the 2022 No. 16 Cumulus Vineyard comes all from the Cumulus Vineyard, which was planted in 2004 around the estate in Oak View...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. | 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com

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, Mourvedre, 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 Rhone-style blend, though this vintage is Petite Sirah dominant rather than the typical Rhone 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. | Jeb Dunnuck