June 17, 2011
Once again, we have found ourselves in the midst of a killer PPD opportunity. Points Per Dollar. Some goodness from Down Under has come our way: Kangarilla Road Cabernet McClaren Vale 2006 - $22.00 = 94 points - James Halliday.
If you are not familiar with James Halliday, you should know he is
the most influental wine critic in Australia and NZ. He is essentially
"the Robert Parker of Oz" and does not give out points carelessly.
The review - 94 points:
"Immediately proclaims its regional origin with dark chocolate
overtones to quite luscious black and redcurrant fruit; lovely
mouthfeel; a great value."
Thoughts about the wine from the winery:
"The major percentage is from our McLaren Flat vineyard together
with that of our immediate neighbour. These vineyards, located at the
northern part of the foothills, ripen later than many of the other
sub-regions resulting in 'cooler climate' aromatic dark fruit driven
wines with intense mid to back palate presence and an abundance of soft
velvety tannins. The balance of the blend is sourced from a vineyard in
the Seaview and Aldinga regions of McLaren Vale. Both of these vineyards
are located in highly stressed sites where the influence of strong wind
and sandy soils give rise to intense aromas and flavours."
Vintage and Vinification:
2006 vintage was a season of challenges with mixed weather
conditions. Heavy Spring rains in 2005 set the vines up well for the
growing season however an early onset of a mild Summer followed. A
cooler than normal February led to a bout of warm weather in early March
resulting in excellent ripening conditions for our Cabernet Sauvignon.
The
wine was fermented in traditional open fermenters with heading board
systems and in static open fermenters using gentle cap management
techniques. The pressed wine was aged in a combination of new French and
American oak complemented with an even mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4 year old
oak.
Do you find yourself saying "I need more everyday drinking
wine"? Perhaps you are always on the hunt for something you can open at
almost any time of the day or any day during the week without breaking
the bank AND without compromising your taste. We call these types of
wines "House Wines" or "School Night" wines. This
Kangarilla Road gem is that kind of wine.
