2018 Next of Kyn Touriga Nacional Numero Cuatro

I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn label. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.

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 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro is a blend of 76% Touriga Nacional, 6.2% Petite Sirah, 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache and 1.5% Roussanne, using 35% whole clusters. It spent around 33 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Featuring an opaque purple-black color, the nose opens like a rocket, soaring with plum preserves, blueberry pie, star anise and kirsch scents, followed by hints of tobacco leaf, cedar chest, dried lavender and menthol, plus a waft of dusty soil. The full-bodied palate is laden with black and red berry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and beautifully poised acidity, finishing with fantastic length and loads of red fruit and blossom sparks. 134 cases and 222 magnums were made. It will be released in fall 2021.