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| Kirrihill Cabernet Sauvignon Deserving more love? |
14.5%, Screwcap, $16.95
Source: Sample
www.kirrihillwines.com.au
Not for the first time this Cabernet outclassed it's Shiraz counterpart (on the show circuit too judging by the shiny medals on the label) just to emphasise (again) that, if done right, Clare Cabernet can provide great budget drinking. One suggestion for the reasons behind this is that the thicker skins of Cabernet make it more suited to the dry and warm Clare climate, though I don't think that's the complete story (I'm keen to find out that complete story though).
An immediately fresher wine that it's Shiraz sister and interestingly showing more oak too. It's all sweet mulberry/blackberry meets spearmint varietal/regional characters with a much sweeter oak overlay. The Shiraz could surely do with similar richness to pump it up? Palate too is sweeter, juicier and more varietal, the thick tannins working firmly in it's favour. Raw but lots of power and fulness, this is actually a very solid wine for the $16.95 price. Should live too. 16.5/88+
2009/10 WCA Wine Journalism 'Young Gun; Wine Judge; Gourmet Traveller WINE and Breathe Hunter Valley magazine contributor; LattéLife & The Retiree columnist; National Liquor News tasting panellist and Chablis lover who fell into the liquor industry chiefly to buy cheap beer.
When you look at cheaper examples like this, and then some of the more iconic wines like Grosset Gaia and Wendouree Cabernet Malbec, I think Clare Valley Cabernet can make an argument as one of Australia's most underrated (and indeed unfashionable) wine styles
ReplyDeleteVery very unfashionable. I like unfashionable though (and like Wendouree Cab Malbec).
ReplyDeleteOn that topic, is the Clare Valley unfashionable full stop?
Certainly unfashionable when it comes to reds. Clare Valley Riesling is perhaps iconic enough that it's a bit impervious to fashion? (not that riesling generally is fashionable)
ReplyDeleteI don't think Clare Riesling is fashionable at all (and they have plenty more booze to sell).
ReplyDeletePoor Clare Valley reds. What other region can claim such iconic red wines (eg Wendouree) and such a low profile for those same styles? Even the Grampians seems to have more of a buzz about it. :) Personally, I think Clare Cab Malbec is one of the classic Australian styles, and one that I'd love to see a lot more of. Remember when Bin 56 was a good wine? That's what we need. I guess the rusticity of a lot of Clare reds can be a bit hard to love, but they are just so delicious when done right.
ReplyDeleteRant over. :)
Good rant. Still don't know if anyone is actually listening to our Clare Valley pleas...
ReplyDelete