96 pts - Wine Advocate
2009 Grenache Upside Down: There will be 1050 cases of this blend of 84% Grenache, 11% Syrah and the reappearance of a little Mourvedre (5%). Seventy-two percent came from the 11 Confessions estate vineyard, 22% from the Cumulus estate vineyard (the source for Next of Kyn) and the balance from the Bien Nacido Vineyard. It is a big wine at 15.7% alcohol and seems to show surprising amounts of tree bark and mushroom notes for the tiny quantity of Mourvedre. It is structured, dense, quite closed, and (obviously, this being a barrel sample) not as exciting as the wines tend to be from bottle. It is a more earthy, French style of Grenache from Krankl, with a more restrained personality, which I think is in keeping with the vintage character.-RP
96 pts - Vinous
The 2009 Grenache Upside Down emerges from the glass with layers of dark red fruit as it sweeps across the palate. There is an inner sweetness and sheer depth that make the 2009 compelling. The 11% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre make themselves heard clearly in adding layers of depth and pure richness. Tar, licorice and graphite meld together on the rich, dramatic finish. This is a striking wine endowed with tons of pure textural dimension. The 2009 was sourced from Eleven Confessions (72%), Cumulus (22%) and Bien Nacido (6%).- Antonio Galloni (08/2012)
