Next of Kyn – The First Seven Years: 2007-2013
BY ANTONIO GALLONI |
This retrospective tasting provided a great opportunity to revisit the first seven releases of Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Next of Kyn. As compelling as the Krankls’ Sine Qua Non wines are, I have always found Next of Kyn to be just as fascinating, especially in recent years. This vertical only served to reinforce that impression.
The Sine Qua Non Winery, Oak View
Manfred and Elaine Krankl are best known for the sumptuous, racy Sine Qua Non Syrahs and Grenaches that have brought them considerable acclaim since their very first release with the 1994 vintage. A succession of brilliant wines allowed the Krankls to increasingly focus on estate vineyards (instead of relying on purchased fruit) and build their own winemaking facility, both of which are the dream of any young producer.
In 2003, the Krankls purchased a sprawling ranch in Oak View, just south of Santa Barbara, that is home to a new, modern winery and the family residence. The land is full of snaking contours, hillsides and other sections that are more like elevated plateaus. Readers visiting the region will note the absence of vineyards nearby. For many years, locals believed vineyards in this area were highly susceptible to Pierce’s Disease, which restricts water flow to plants and can completely wipe out vineyards in a very short time span.
Cumulus Vineyard, Oak View
This retrospective tasting provided a great opportunity to revisit the first seven releases of Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Next of Kyn. As compelling as the Krankls’ Sine Qua Non wines are, I have always found Next of Kyn to be just as fascinating, especially in recent years. This vertical only served to reinforce that impression.
