Manfred Krankl notes that the 2018 Cumulus Vineyard No. 12 represents a shift away from earlier cuvées that were dominated by the Syrah grape. This iteration is composed of 47.7% Syrah, 23.4% Grenache, 21.3% Petite Sirah, 5.6% Mourvèdre and 2 % Petit Manseng. The 2018 also comes entirely from the Next of Kyn estate vineyard Cumulus. It was made using 41% whole clusters and matured around 32 months in 34% new French oak (the remaining barrels were one to three years old). Deep ruby-purple in color, it blossoms slowly to aromas of cassis, lilac, coffee beans, dried mint and bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate is powerful yet elegant, its concentrated fruits balanced by grainy tannins and fresh acidity that highlights its floral perfume on the long finish. It was bottled on May 6, 2021, and tasted on May 24, 2022. Around 380 cases and 222 magnums were made, sold as part of a four-bottle set with one bottle of Touriga Nacional. The 2018 Cumulus Vineyard No 12 is composed of 47.7% Syrah, 23.4% Grenache, 21.3% Petite Sirah, 5.6% Mourvèdre and 2% Petit Manseng, using 41% whole clusters. It spent around 32 months in French oak barrels, 66% new.

As with the 2017, the 2018 No 12 Cumulus Vineyard is as good as wine gets. Based on 47.7% Syrah, 23.4% Grenache, 21.3% Petite Sirah, 5.6% Mourvèdre, and the remaining 2% a mix of white varieties, aged 32 months in 34% new barrels, its vivid purple hue gives way to a full-bodied blockbuster of a wine that’s loaded with cassis and blue fruits as well as notes of gravelly earth, graphite, ground pepper, and spring flowers. Flawlessly balanced, deep, super-rich, and unctuous, yet with incredible purity, give bottles a year of two and enjoy over the following 15 years or more.

Deep garnet-purple-colored, Next of Kyn’s 2018 Cumulus Vineyard No 12 shoots out with vibrant black plums, boysenberries, licorice, and Morello cherries notes, plus hints of tar, unsmoked cigars, and candied violets. Full-bodied, rich, and mind-blowingly concentrated, it has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a persistent earthy note. The 2018 Cumulus Vineyard No 12 is composed of 47.7% Syrah, 23.4% Grenache, 21.3% Petite Sirah, 5.6% Mourvèdre, and 2% Petit Manseng, using 41% whole clusters. It spent around 32 months in French oak barrels, 66% new.