Krankl Wine
The Third Twin Graciano
California, USA
One of my bottles for the WNH NYC event.
I had a splash of the 2016 graciano a few weeks ago so I had an idea of what to expect. This sat in a decanter for a few hours before it was touched. Almost black as night in the glass with a purple core. Having splashes of Mourvèdre (savory) and petite sirah (spicy and rich) seem noticeable. This differs from SQN wines in that this isn’t as opulent and silky, but more spice driven. Big aromatics of charcoal grilled red, blue and black fruits with mocha, cherry jerky and extreme dark chocolate (didn’t pick up much use of stems). Bull-in-a-China shop type profile on the palate with rich dark fruits, peppercorn crusted rhubarb, lots of spice (more like Asian style spices) and big tannic finish. At the end of the night, I was able to cork about a quarter of the bottle, which I revisited 24hrs later…more red fruit appeared alongside a softer profile.
Obviously this needs time, but definitely another Manfred masterpiece in style. This bottle was enjoyed by many other SQN style wines (Andremily EABA, 2017 Fingers Crossed Grenache, 2004 SQN Poker Face, 2009 SQN Thrill of Stamp Collecting, 2007 and 2013 NOK), and I’d say this Graciano is more singular in style, whereas the NOK, Fingers Crossed and Andremily wines are very SQN-esque in flavor profile.
One of my bottles for the WNH NYC event.
I had a splash of the 2016 graciano a few weeks ago so I had an idea of what to expect. This sat in a decanter for a few hours before it was touched. Almost black as night in the glass with a purple core. Having splashes of Mourvèdre (savory) and petite sirah (spicy and rich) seem noticeable. This differs from SQN wines in that this isn’t as opulent and silky, but more spice driven. Big aromatics of charcoal grilled red, blue and black fruits with mocha, cherry jerky and extreme dark chocolate (didn’t pick up much use of stems). Bull-in-a-China shop type profile on the palate with rich dark fruits, peppercorn crusted rhubarb, lots of spice (more like Asian style spices) and big tannic finish. At the end of the night, I was able to cork about a quarter of the bottle, which I revisited 24hrs later…more red fruit appeared alongside a softer profile.
Obviously this needs time, but definitely another Manfred masterpiece in style. This bottle was enjoyed by many other SQN style wines (Andremily EABA, 2017 Fingers Crossed Grenache, 2004 SQN Poker Face, 2009 SQN Thrill of Stamp Collecting, 2007 and 2013 NOK), and I’d say this Graciano is more singular in style, whereas the NOK, Fingers Crossed and Andremily wines are very SQN-esque in flavor profile.
Could have used more air. Got better over time.
Could have used more air. Got better over time.
Oct 5th, 2024
Starting our turkey hunting weekend right.
Starting our turkey hunting weekend right.
May 7th, 2023
Wow. Seriously brilliant wine from Manfred Krankle. I can’t say that I’ve ever had a pure graciano before - comes across to me as a hypothetical cross between a grenache and a high-end merlot (like a Petrus-level merlot). Opened up yesterday but it was very closed, so we put a cork in it and kept it in the fridge for 24 hours. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Absolutely amazing nose of violets, crushed blackberries, candied blueberries, and hints of a chocolate ganache. Palate is pure SQN, with that elegant intensity that characterizes everything that comes out of Manfred’s winery. Lingering, perfectly balanced finish that goes on for well over a minute. Awesome.
Wow. Seriously brilliant wine from Manfred Krankle. I can’t say that I’ve ever had a pure graciano before - comes across to me as a hypothetical cross between a grenache and a high-end merlot (like a Petrus-level merlot). Opened up yesterday but it was very closed, so we put a cork in it and kept it in the fridge for 24 hours. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Absolutely amazing nose of violets, crushed blackberries, candied blueberries, and hints of a chocolate ganache. Palate is pure SQN, with that elegant intensity that characterizes everything that comes out of Manfred’s winery. Lingering, perfectly balanced finish that goes on for well over a minute. Awesome.
Jun 20th, 2020A very plush wine and similar in feel to other Krankl wines except very different flavor profile. Hard to explain other than I have never had a straight Graciano. Lavender, mint, Indian spices, and pepper. I would love to try this again in 4-5 years.
A very plush wine and similar in feel to other Krankl wines except very different flavor profile. Hard to explain other than I have never had a straight Graciano. Lavender, mint, Indian spices, and pepper. I would love to try this again in 4-5 years.
Aug 31st, 2019