2008 Kangarilla Road Shiraz McLaren Vale

Community Tasting Notes (11) Avg Score: 88.6 points

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  2/27/2024 - Rote Kappelle Likes this wine: 90 Points

  This wine is a disgrace and that is just one of the things I like about it. It reminds me a little of Lord Louis Mountbatten/Battenberg, of whom it was said 'You are so crooked that if you swallowed a nail, you'd shit a corkscrew'. As it turns out this may be the least of the bad things to be said of him, although many of the negatives remain mired in controversy.
  
  Like Battenberg, with this wine, you can either go with the charming parts or hate the rest and either way, you are likely right.
  
  This is overripe and overblown. Blackberry jam, liquorice, just a hint of tomato stalk and loose-leaf black tea, open texture, tannins pretty well resolved and not exactly high acid, although there is some freshness. Is it a fat bag caricature of Oz shiraz, or just a ball of fun and a reminder that sometimes wine is for joy and should not always be taken too seriously?
  
  I confess that on occasion I love a vinous Flashman and this is that.
  
  My own take on Battenberg is that I think he was fortunate to live the long life he denied so many others over whom he had command or influence. From Dieppe to the Kelly, to Partition and beyond, one wonders ... At least a wine like this helps me to manage at least a few laughs in the face of it all.

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  11/20/2014 - TSCTAX Likes this wine: 85 Points

  Excellent

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  4/21/2013 - hjstern Likes this wine: 88 Points

  Very pleasant. Excellent value.

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  12/23/2012 - urban_dk wrote: 91 Points

  Classic McLaren Vale flavors - intense blackberry/blueberry with touches of eucalyptus, red licorice and pepper. Not an overly complex wine, but great value. Pair with kalbi, rare beef, lamb, or wild game dishes.
  

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  7/18/2012 - baseballvino wrote: 87 Points

  Good, not great. Well rounded with nice fruit and spice. Enjoyable.

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View all 11 Community Tasting Notes

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