TN: 2002 Kangarilla Rd. Zinfandel, Fleurieu

[markg]

I kick myself for not getting more of these. Each time I have one they are simply an enjoyable, tasty wine and for some reason I had it in my mind that they would only drink well for a very short period, but they still seem to have a few more years at least to go.

A nose of rich and spicy plum pudding with hints of white pepper and loamy earth. A wonderful texture and mouthfeel, with dense liquer rasberry/rhubarb wrapped in fruitcake and a touch of nutmeng and ripe berries. It is wonderfuly balanced, crisp and intense with a lingering finish.

[Elvispga]

Zinfandel is the New Shiraz!

I love them and am particularly fond of the Cape Mentelle. Can't work out why we don't see more of them in Aus. I'm sure their time will come.

Cheers
Elvis

[Adair]

Zinfandel is the New Shiraz!

I love them and am particularly fond of the Cape Mentelle. Can't work out why we don't see more of them in Aus. I'm sure their time will come.

Cheers
Elvis

Except for the Cape Mentelle, I can't stand the stuff when over 14%. I hope it never becomes popular.

Just thought I would make my contrary opinion known.

Adair

[Elvispga]

I think I lived in America too long

[markg]

I haven't tried the Cape Mentelle, but will keep an eye out.

I agree about Zin and hi levels of alcohol, also it is not very pleasant if not drunk at room temperature, the alcohol is too predominant.

[Wayno]

I kick myself for not getting more of these. Each time I have one they are simply an enjoyable, tasty wine and for some reason I had it in my mind that they would only drink well for a very short period, but they still seem to have a few more years at least to go.

A nose of rich and spicy plum pudding with hints of white pepper and loamy earth. A wonderful texture and mouthfeel, with dense liquer rasberry/rhubarb wrapped in fruitcake and a touch of nutmeng and ripe berries. It is wonderfuly balanced, crisp and intense with a lingering finish.

I tried a bottle of this recently over curry (maybe a bad move!) but found it overly rich and almost medicinal although the plum pudding and spice was definitely obvious. Tried it again a little while later that night and it was still difficult. Next night however, it was a revelation and was drinking a lot better, much softer and whilst still a bit of a meal in itself, very nice.

Have a couple of bottles of the 03 Fleurieu and (now) a pack of 04 KR stuff (including the Shiraz Viognier which is supposed to be quite good) through an ex-wine maker contact there which I am about to start contemplating. I think KR are quite an under-priced label, making some really good stuff.

[mattECN]

I kick myself for not getting more of these. Each time I have one they are simply an enjoyable, tasty wine and for some reason I had it in my mind that they would only drink well for a very short period, but they still seem to have a few more years at least to go.

A nose of rich and spicy plum pudding with hints of white pepper and loamy earth. A wonderful texture and mouthfeel, with dense liquer rasberry/rhubarb wrapped in fruitcake and a touch of nutmeng and ripe berries. It is wonderfuly balanced, crisp and intense with a lingering finish.

a pack of 04 KR stuff (including the Shiraz Viognier which is supposed to be quite good) through an ex-wine maker contact there which I am about to start contemplating. I think KR are quite an under-priced label, making some really good stuff.

the 04 Shiraz Viognier is fantastic, I had a bottle about 3 weeks ago (could not resist). I'd hold onto this a bit longer before opening personally. Nice pepper and spice shiraz characteristics and whilst the viognier traits are not overpowering, creating a smooth elegant wine.

not touching my 04 Zinfandel for a while either, I understand it to be a big wine.

[markg]

I kick myself for not getting more of these. Each time I have one they are simply an enjoyable, tasty wine and for some reason I had it in my mind that they would only drink well for a very short period, but they still seem to have a few more years at least to go.

A nose of rich and spicy plum pudding with hints of white pepper and loamy earth. A wonderful texture and mouthfeel, with dense liquer rasberry/rhubarb wrapped in fruitcake and a touch of nutmeng and ripe berries. It is wonderfuly balanced, crisp and intense with a lingering finish.

I tried a bottle of this recently over curry (maybe a bad move!) but found it overly rich and almost medicinal although the plum pudding and spice was definitely obvious. Tried it again a little while later that night and it was still difficult. Next night however, it was a revelation and was drinking a lot better, much softer and whilst still a bit of a meal in itself, very nice.

Have a couple of bottles of the 03 Fleurieu and (now) a pack of 04 KR stuff (including the Shiraz Viognier which is supposed to be quite good) through an ex-wine maker contact there which I am about to start contemplating. I think KR are quite an under-priced label, making some really good stuff.

Yeah, I think the alcohol would stand out with a curry and anything spicy would not compliment the wine. I usually have this wine with mild chicken or veal dishes. My wife does a fantastic crumbed chicken snitzel using her secret recepie of herbs and spices in the crumbing over thinly sliced chicken breast. With simple steamed vegtables it is really a very nice combination.

[Pelican]

I had a bottle of this recently and agree that it was nice Zin' , and high QPR @ $15 that I paid.

It is worth noting that the " Fleurieu " Kangarilla Zin' is a cheaper Zin' than their original McLaren Vale Zin' which costs more like $30 and is from older vines. I used to buy the original Kangarilla Zin' quite regularly some years ago. So there is in fact 2 Kangarilla Zins out there - you could get caught out if you don't read the label carefully.

[Sharkey]

I have enjoyed the KR Zin for several years.

Most of their wines are very good. Our monthly degustation dinner in April at our local restaurant was Kangarilla Road wines and Kevin O'brien, the owner, was there to present them. They do a very good Viognier and the Cabernet was good too. But the Zin is my favourite.

Now if you want a good Zin try the Lowe Family Zinfandel from Mudgee. The 2003 won the Zin trophy at the London International Wine Challenge. The 2004 has just been released (In April or May I think). Again I tried this at a degustation earlier in the year with David Lowe presenting an excellent range of wines.

[Kieran]

How about Peel Zinfandel, clocking in at 18%

Kieran