Novice questions on 2001 Garlands Saros

gbrawley · Post by **gbrawley** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:37 pm

I really enjoy Barossa, McLaren Vale Shiraz and Coonawarra Cabernet. Bought a bottle of the above on a suggestion from a web site. It is 88% Cab Franc from Mount Barker Western Australia. Never had cab franc before other than a small amount in a blend. Very strong bite to the wine was that the tannins? Or ??? I am fairly new to this OZ wine thing but really love the wine areas I mentioned above but this bottle will be used for cooking only. Dont want to make this mistake again. I appreciate your input as to your impressions of this wine if you have tried it. Imported from Joshua Tree. thanks

bacchaebabe · Post by **bacchaebabe** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:07 pm

Personally, I've never heard of it. Might be an export only brand.

Anyone else?

lantana · Post by **lantana** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:30 am

I have drunk Garlands Cabernet Franc (vintage ?) which I thought was an absolute ripper. Cab Franc has it's traditional home in the Loire Valley, Chinon & Bourgeil are appelations that come to mind, there may be others. From memory I think these wines display high acid & are best in warmer vintages where the fruit fully ripens, so the

Very strong bite

that you mention may be high acid rather than tannins, I don't think it's as tanninc as, say Cabernet Sauvignon. By the way, I remember really enjoying some Chinon & Bourgeil wines, a few years ago, they are best with food.

Hope this helps,
lantana