Sine Qua Non, Mr K, Sweet Wines Box om 3 flaskor 2006
Kalifornien, USA

Wine Advocate
The 2006 Mr. K The Strawman Marsanne Vin de Paille is 100% Marsanne from the Beckmen Vineyard that boasts 240 grams of residual sugar per liter. A medium gold-colored effort, it reveals more marmalade notes interwoven with notions of maple syrup, honeysuckle, and exotic tropical fruits. While untuously-textured with remarkable sweetness, it is not cloying because of the fresh acids. I have no idea how long these wines will last, but they will undoubtedly keep for many years. (97p)

The 2006 Mr. K. The Nobleman Chardonnay (200 grams of residual sugar per liter) reveals phenomenal fresh, lively acidity as well as wonderful honeyed peach, marmalade, tropical fruit, and creme brulee characteristics. It is a Trockenbeerenauslese-styled wine that is a fitting tribute to the effusive and much revered Alois Kracher. (95p)

Passing through what looks like a junkyard (or the first or second level of hell) to get to the warehouse of both bodily and spiritual pleasures called Sine Qua Non, is a hoot and a howl, but well worth it if you can somehow wrangle an appointment with the reclusive proprietor, Manfred Krankl. Tasting here is one of the highlights of my year, and all my expectations were satisfied if not eclipsed by what Krankl has made in 2007 and 2006.
The final wines to be bottled under the “Mr. K.” moniker include the 2006 The Nobleman and 2006 The Strawman. As some readers may know, this partnership between the famed Austrian, Alois Kracher, and Manfred Krankl has finally come to an end because of the tragic death of Alois Kracher, who fell victim to pancreatic cancer at age 49. The Mr. K. offerings have been remarkable wines that showcased the talents of both of these great winemakers.