So oaky. Tastes like you're biting into tree limb. Strong. Caramel aromas. No acidity. Creamy. — 6 years ago
Man, love this. Could drink all day. Went on a limb and brought burgundy to a steak house. It’s hot out and this is just too easy. — 7 years ago
Went out on a limb with this wine due to the price tag. I am in love with this blend. A tad fruity, full bodied, enjoyed a few glasses on its own. — 7 years ago
You know what I like about Manfred Krankl? (“I’m going to go out on a limb and say ‘everything’?” is my wife’s sarcastic answer to my posed hypothetical). Well yes, but that’s not where I was heading tonight. What I was going to say is that I like that Manfred’s wines are thought provoking. And not just the wine itself, but also the ever-changing labels and names. Take this evening’s selection. Entre chien et loup is one of my favorite French expressions from my college French class days. Literally translated, it describes a specific time of day, just before night, when the light is so dim you can’t distinguish a dog from a wolf. But like most good French expressions, it delves much deeper. It’s all about that limit between the familiar and the unknown, the comfortable and the dangerous. Pushed to the extreme, it’s that fine line between hope and despair. Layers of meaning.
And the wine? Layers of flavor. As usual for an SQN white, a blend. Mostly equal parts Chardonnay and Roussanne with a touch of Viognier and Petite Manseng thrown in. Vibrant gold color. A vigorous four hour decant reveals a huge nose of peaches and apricots with a yeasty, buttery brioche note that just rings the bell. Palate of tropical fruits and a hint of burnt toast with that unctuous silky texture only Roussanne can provide. A butterscotch finish of great length. Dense concentration. Full-bodied. Wonderful structure. Positively elegant. Personally, I prefer my SQN whites with several years of cellar time, but hey, sometimes you just can’t wait. This is excellent now, but will get nothing but better with age.
Finally, that label? I’ll just say that the TTB approves and so do I and leave it at that. And speaking of the TTB, check out that banned label in the background. — 7 years ago
Super evocative wine. Lots of rocks, green bramble, intensity, and huge perfume. Didn’t know what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed. — 4 years ago
Super interesting glou glou — 5 years ago
Going to go out on a limb and say it... Denis Mortet expression of Lavaux St Jacques is my favorite. Maybe on par with Rousseau for this particular plot. Cool, floral, blue/black berries with some restraint (2012s may be shutting down). Very good intensity, texture, and concentration. — 6 years ago
Matthew W.
Went out on a limb and picked up a small bottle of sherry. Pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Sweet honey, raisin, a hint of vanilla, cedar and so smooth. — 2 years ago