I had the ‘15 counterpart, the Syrah, about a year ago and was shocked at how accessible it was. This isn’t as open, but it’s not far off. The bottle was poured blind to a group of 5-7 of us. I called this 5yr old SQN Grenache. For my taste, nobody in the new world can do Grenache like Manfred. Seductively aromatic and spice driven, showing cracked black pepper, spicy rhubarb and red fruits with herbs de Provence. Lifted profile due to the use of whole cluster. Great acidity. The dominant notes of red fruits are highlighted by just a touch of blue and black fruits, with dark cocoa, potpourri and cherry jerky. A baby, but a glimpse at a monster in 5-7yrs. Thank you @Keith Fisher . — 6 years ago
Omg good - prefect construction with some intriguing blackberry seed and purple plum notes that desperately wanted to jump out of the glass. Believe it or not only decanted for 45 mins - created an utter explosion of flavor and power - the wine absolutely amazed me with the intensity and deep flavor
It’s a big wine and it’s not “ready” by scientific standards, but boy oh boy was this thing singing in prefect pitch already with its electric blueberry, blackberry, purple plum and river rock spices - this surreal bombastic wine is reflecting both youth and a seeming modern stylistic character I have not experienced from a previous Manfred wine I have tried
Whatever your preference, it’s hard to deny the expert construction of this particular wine. Captivating, driven, complex, and pure. The only thing missing from this at the moment is some finesse, which I have confidence it will gain over the next few years. Ideally, wait until after 2022++. 98-100 points.
A huge contrast with the 2013 Next of Kyn No.7, which was all balled-up with nowhere to go all night; hyper-vigilantly tannic and on-guard. The 2014 was just as big, but had the presence of amazing flavor to back up its intensity and fortitude. — 6 years ago
+1 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A striking dark magenta color. On the nose: sweet black fruit, earthy mushroom, leather, bacon, floral. Taste: deep, dark, rich, and silky as you would expect from a Manfred Krankl wine with blackberry, dark chocolate, bacon fat, earth, and a long peppery coffee ground finish. YUM! — 7 months ago
dark, and rich, smells smokey. Tastes of fig jam, smoke, and cassis. — 6 years ago
Absolutely brilliant. This is one of the best grenaches I’ve had in a long time. Incredible aromas of plumbs, blackberries, candied blueberries, along with hints of cinnamon and clove. The palate is absolutely stunning: seamless evolution of fruit coupled with perfectly intergrated sweet tannins leading to a finish that goes on for over a minute. I have no idea if this will improve with more time in the cellar, but I have no idea why you would wait: this is unreal. Manfred Krankle is a GOD!!! 👍 — 7 years ago
This was stunning today; Elixir-esq concentration sporting deep bass notes, a plethora of vital high tones, some carbon, a little graphite and impeccable purity. It would have likely tasted delicious anywhere but to share it with the Krankl family and perfect gentleman turned SQN chevalier @Roman Sukley was an honour and a privilege. It was part of a diamond day and the summit of a 17 year pilgrimage that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Thank you kindly Roman, Manfred, Elaine & August - 2014 — 6 years ago
Lemon and tart white stone fruit. Light+ body and nice clean mineral acid finish. Pleasant — 6 years ago
Norman Gennaro
Could have used more air. Got better over time. — 7 months ago