2014 Next of Kyn Syrah No. 10 Cumulus Vineyard
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Tasting notes
I rated the 2014 No 8 Cumulus Vineyard 99 points last year but found this bottle to be literally as good as it gets. Made from 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional and the balance Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, fermented with 43% whole clusters and aged in close to equal parts new and used French oak, it offers a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, white chocolate, exotic spices, and graphite. This flows to a full-bodied wine that has off-the-charts purity and elegance, a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture, not a hard edge to be found, and a finish that won’t quit. The 2014s are upfront and approachable (there’s plenty of similarities to the 2016s) yet this beauty is going to cruise in the cellar on its purity, depth, and balance. It’s a true “Wow” wine!
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 No. 8 Cumulus Vineyard has really blossomed over the last year. Open-knit and quite accessible, the 2014 shows the somewhat linear personality of the vintage off to great effect. A rush of dark red/purplish berry fruit, mocha, new leather, menthol and spice is nicely balanced by the wine's verve and overall sense of vibrancy. This is the best showing of the 2014 yet! (AG)
The 2014 Next of Kyn - No. 8 Cumulus Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Next to the 2013, the 2014 comes across as quite supple and downright accessible. A blast of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, lavender and licorice infuse the beautifully layered finish. I imagine the 2014 will drink nicely with just a few years in bottle, although if past vintages are an indication, the wine will need longer than that to be at its very best. The blend is 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, done with 43% whole clusters.
Composed of 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, using 43% whole clusters, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard #8 has a deep garnet-purple color and slightly reticent nose to begin of black cherries, mulberries and black soil with suggestions of menthol, tobacco, incense, sandalwood and chocolate box, plus a fragrant undercurrent of violets. Firm, grainy tannins frame the full-bodied, muscular palate with stacks of flavor layers, finishing with great delineation and finesse. Forget this beauty for three to four years and enjoy drinking it over the next 20+.
About the producer
The brainchild of Manfred Krankl, Sine Qua Non (commonly known as SQN) is a cult California producer whose wines are avidly collected. The winery focuses on Rhône-inspired blends, however is famously non-conformist with each release totally unique.