| Rating |
RP96 - 2001 Sine Qua Non Midnight Oil/Ventriloquist Syrah Magnum Set - 96 pts! The impeccable 2001 Midnight Oil (95.5% Syrah, 3% Grenache, and 1.5% Viognier) is a product of four vineyards, Alban, Stolpman, Bien Nacido, and White Hawk. The good news is there are 950 cases of this compelling effort. With a “midnight†black color, and the viscosity of 10-W-40 oil, its aromas of violet/acacia flowers, melted licorice, camphor, blackberries, creme de cassis, and subtle toasty new oak are accompanied by a wine boasting terrific texture, good underlying acidity, ripe tannin, and a 60-second plus finish. This stunning effort competes with the 2000, and what looks to be Krankl’s greatest Syrah-based wine to date, the 2002. RP (2 Midnight Oil magnums & 1 Ventriloquist magnum in OWC set) The 2001 Ventriloquist is a blend of 82% Grenache and 18% Syrah. Sixty percent of the fruit came from the Alban Vineyard, 32% from the Stolpman Vineyard, and 8% from the Shadow Canyon Vineyard. There are approximately 400 cases of this nectar. While it may not hit the surreal prodigiousness of the 2000 Incognito, it is a spectacular effort from a cooler growing season. It boasts a saturated purple color as well as beautiful aromatics of red and black fruits, with hints of licorice, earth, and spice in the background. There is great purity, more austere tannin in the finish than most Krankl wines, gorgeous depth and texture, and a finish that lasts 45+ seconds. Give it 1-3 years of cellaring, and enjoy it over the following 12-15. RP |
