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CAPE D'ESTAING
Kangaroo
Island is one of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Right off the
coast of Adelaide, when you stand on the Southern Shore all you see is water
between you and the South Pole. This is a brand new viticultural region that is
raising eyebrows right out of the gate. They produce a Shiraz and a Cabernet
Sauvignon with all the grapes grown in a 6-year old, 25-acre vineyard on the
north coast that has been spur pruned and trellised on a single-wire system.
Cape d?Estaing wines are made in the vineyard, with super small yields and a
commitment to quality.
"Having
been to the magical Kangaroo Island off the coast of Adelaide and spending
nearly three days immersed in this wildlife paradise, seemingly over-run with
koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and enormous seal colonies, it is somewhat
unexpected to find such impressive wines from this windswept, stark island. Both
1999 and 2000 were challenging vintages for Cape d?Estaing, but they have hit
the proverbial home run in 2001." Robert Parker
Cabernet Sauvigon
2001
$39.99 limited
"The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet from six-year old vines)
exhibits an opaque dark ruby/purple color as well as classic aromas of cedar
wood interspersed with creme de cassis. Full-bodied and linear, with outstanding
structure, texture, and overall purity, it is young and primary, tasting more
like a just-bottled barrel sample than a finished wine. Nevertheless, it oozes
with character, depth, and persistence. Patience will be required. Anticipated
maturity: 2005-2015." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #148
Shiraz
2001 sold out
"From six-year old vines cropped at a mere 2.3 tons of fruit per acre, the
brilliant 2001 Shiraz is a candidate for the finest wine ever made on Kangaroo
Island. It boasts an opaque purple color in addition to a complex perfume of
blackberry liqueur intermixed with licorice, smoke, charcoal, and a hint of
wood. Full-bodied as well as remarkably measured, elegant, and restrained for
its power and mass, this brilliant achievement somehow walks the tightrope
between excessive power and overly processed politeness. It combines intense
flavor with tremendous finesse ? an extremely difficult accomplishment. The
good news continues as there are 2,500 cases of this brilliant Shiraz. It should
drink well young yet evolve for 15+ years." 94 Robert Parker, The
Wine Advocate #148
A Grateful Palate
Selection
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