Winexpert and kenridge limited edition kits are out! What are your thoughts?
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Having recently bottled and tasted some of the 2011 limited editions, I'm quite excited by this years kits.
I quite fancy trying from Winexpert
South African Shiraz Cabernet wtih Grape Skins
Pacific Quartet. Missed out on this the last time round and I believe it was incredibly good.
Oregon Pinot Noir. I like a good Pinot.
Washington Cabernet Merlot. A region with a great pedigree if you like big reds.
From Kenridge
Shiraz Grenache - Australia with grape skins. Sounds like a nice blend and I've recently got into kits with skins.
Primitivo - Italy. I have some frozen Primitivo grapes on order from Brian and it will be interesting to compare the two.
Grand Red II - California with grape skins. Another full bodied skin kit.
Karl has done both makes in the last couple of years so I'm sure he will be again.
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The Winexpert LE2013 Collection
January -South African Shiraz Cabernet with Grape Skins
REGION: Worcester Vineyards, South Africa
The sunny southern tip of Africa bathes Worcester vineyards, located north of Capetown, with immense sunshine hours and heat. Luckily the proximity of the Indian and Atlantic oceans not only brings much needed rain, but also the perfect
Mediterranean climate to grow extremely ripe, rich grapes.
WINE:
This classic blend showcases the depth and ripeness of these intense grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon’s classic character of
blackberry, currants, black cherry and cedar blend seamlessly with the densely packed berry, chocolate, espresso and pepper characters of Shiraz, with a hint of earthiness. As it ages it will show ever more blackberry along with plum and a hint of tobacco leading to rich vanilla and toasty-smoky notes. Definitely a carnivore’s wine, this will complement grilled meat, roasts and game, but will also work extremely well with mushroom risotto.
SWEETNESS: Dry BODY: Full ALCOHOL: 14.5%*
PAIR WITH: Classic Braised Beef Short Ribs
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions
January - South African Viognier Chenin Blanc Roussanne
REGION: Paarl, South Africa
Blessed by the same combination of hot sunshine and moderating ocean breezes that favour Worcester, the Paarl is encompassed by huge granite outcroppings that provide rain shadows to the vineyards and produce the sandy, mineral-laden soils. Low yields in these soils (less than 2 tons per acre) allow the vines to concentrate all of their growth on pristine, intense fruit.
WINE:
The three grapes make a unique wine of elegance, power and delicacy: crisp, but honeyed, with aromas of apricot, orange blossoms, herbal tea and melons give way to a medium body and a long rich finish of floral notes. The depth and complexity of this white wine make it an excellent partner with richly flavoured foods: curries, Satay, and South-Asian dishes, along with creamy or buttery sauces and soups.
SWEETNESS: Dry BODY: Medium ALCOHOL: 13%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
February - Pacific Quartet
REGION:
The Pacific Rim, encompassed by North and South America on one side and Australia on the other, has micro-climates that match those from all over the world, from the blazing sunshine to crisp mountain air, and soils ranging from sandy loam, stony red clay, nearly pure limestone and everything in between. The range and variety provide perfect terroir for almost any grape, and Winexpert has searched out the best for this blend, reaching all the way from one side of the Pacific to the other.
WINE:
The four grapes showcase a host of brilliant flavours of bright fruit, excellent structure and a long finish. Viognier from Chile gives apricots, blossoms and stone fruit. Chenin Blanc from California gives a wonderful melony-honeyed aroma with hints of apple. Gewürztraminer from Washington contributes lychee, rose petals and floral notes, and Muscat
from Australia’s Murray-Darling Valley gives wonderful grapey notes with dried fruit and hints of orange peel.
Full-bodied yet supple, this wine has a range of fruit character and enough acidity to stand up to a wide range of foods, particularly spicy and savory dishes, including Thai cuisine, grilled fish, herbed roast chicken or salmon, but is delicious enough for sipping by itself on a golden afternoon on a patio or deck.
Serve with: Maple Soy Salmon with Green Pea Purée
SWEETNESS: Off-Dry BODY: Medium-full ALCOHOL: 11.5%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
March - Oregon Pinot Noir
REGION: Willamette Valley, Oregon Stretching from the Columbia River in the north to Eugene in the south, the Willamette Valley is nestled between the Oregon Coast Range in the West to the Cascade Mountains along the Pacific Coast. The climate is mild with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, allowing delicate, aromatic grapes to flourish.
WINE:
Deep ruby with garnet highlights Oregon Pinot Noir as a poet rather than a linebacker, and its character is defined almost as much in the elisions between its delicate scents and ethereal aromas as it is from its rich fruit and finesse. Aromas of red cherry, bright raspberry and strawberry give way to the delicate scent of violets, and the tannins are lustrously smooth and full on the palate. The delicacy of this wine allows it to pair with subtle dishes, from the classic Boeuf Bourgignon to game, roast turkey, pan-seared salmon and rich fish such as cod.
SWEETNESS: Dry BODY: Medium ALCOHOL: 13%*
April - Washington Cabernet Merlot
REGION: Red Mountain, Washington
Red Mountain in Washington State is graced with southwest facing slopes for warmer temperatures and more sunlight
hours than any other part of the Columbia Valley. The Yakima River moderates temperature, and the cool air flowing from the north prevents frost from forming, allowing grapes to safely hang for extended periods.
WINE:
A darkly powerful wine with immediate notes of oak and blackcurrants on the nose come to mingle with peppery spice
and cedar, supported by a fruit-driven palate of boysenberry, plum, redcurrant and black cherry. The finish is boldly tannic, with a mouth-filling grip of dense, brambly fruit. The tannins in this wine call for grilled meat and game: steak
with blue cheese butter, saddle of venison, and especially roasted lamb with herbs.
SWEETNESS: Dry BODY: Medium-Full ALCOHOL: 13.5%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.
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Kenridge Showcase Collection 2014
1 - Tempranillo Garnacha - Spain
Sugar Code: 0 Alcohol Vol: 13
THE REGION
La Mancha, situated almost in the centre of Spain, is one of the largest wine regions in the world. It is a vast expanse of flat terrain which experiences temperatures at both extremes ranging from -15°C in the winter up to 45°C in the stifling summers. The area receives very little rainfall, and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The long, hot summers and arid soil make the region ideal for developing lower yield and higher quality grapes, with concentrated, intense flavours.
THE WINE
Two classic Spanish varietals make a lavish well-balanced Rioja style red. Garnacha brings jammy fruit flavours of black currant and raspberry with a dash of peppery spice, while the well-structured Tempranillo offers cherry, plum and spice notes. Together, they make a rich, complex wine with an extra-dry, long lingering finish.
THE FOOD
Pair with hearty, flavourful dishes such as ribs, filet mignon, roasted leg of lamb, rich mushroom dishes, roast pork with stuffing, wild fowl, and aged Manchego cheese which also comes from this region.
RELEASE DATE: December 2013
2 - Shiraz Grenache - Australia
Sugar Code: 0 Alcohol Vol: 14
THE REGION
South Australia's picturesque Riverland Region features long open plains, rolling hillsides, and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The region's hot days, cool nights, and long hours of sunshine ensure the grapes ripen fully. This past year's weather was hotter and drier than usual all the way through to harvest. The lack of rain resulted in a smaller berry size in the red wine grapes which helps increase the concentration of colour and flavour, making for a more vibrant wine.
THE WINE
The perfect blend of rich fruit-forward notes of Shiraz with its soft and supple mouth-feel, and the cherry and currant fruit notes and a dash of peppery spice from the Grenache. Expect a fruit driven wine with juicy, ripe black and red fruits, light vanilla oak, and classic spicy accents on a full bodied frame with a long silky finish.
Includes grape skins.
THE FOOD
Serve with your favourite foods from the `barbie' including red meats, pepper steaks, and chorizo sausage. Also try it with winter stews, rich casseroles, meaty empanadas, beef brisket, ratatouille and saucy barbecued ribs.
RELEASE DATE: January 2014
3 - Riesling Gewürztraminer Chardonnay
Sugar Code: 1 Alcohol Vol: 12
THE REGION
This year's white wine hails from South Australia's Riverland Region. The region's continental climate is dry, hot, and sunny, and the Murray River acts as the region's lifeblood, bringing much needed water to the area's vineyards. Renowned for its generous fruit driven wines, this is perhaps the most productive growing region in Australia and many of the great Australian wineries source their grapes from this area.
THE WINE
An aromatic and flavourful white blend with a refreshing, slightly rich mouth-feel, and flavours of honeydew melon, white peach and sweet citrus accented by notes of floral and spice. The Riesling brings refreshing citrus and mineral notes, Gewürztraminer adds floral and spice notes, and the Chardonnay brings texture and body, along with notes of melon and peach.
THE FOOD
This is a perfect sipping wine on its own, or pair it with simply prepared fish and seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, trout or white fish. Try with roast pork, chicken or turkey, or a selection of cheeses such as Emmental, Gruyere and Swiss.
RELEASE DATE: January 2014
4 - Primitivo - Italy
Sugar Code: 0 Alcohol Vol: 13
THE REGION
Puglia, the 'heel of Italy's boot' is one of the most fertile regions in all of Italy. Bordered by both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the region's hot Mediterranean climate and persistent sunshine is mitigated by the constant sea breeze, making it a near-perfect environment for growing wine grapes. Puglia is predominantly red wine country and Primitivo, arguably the region's most famous grape, thrives here.
THE WINE
Primitivo creates an intensely fruity wine, plush and ripe, with terrific balance. Rich aromas and flavours of dark plums, black cherries, and dried fruits are accented by vanilla and smoky notes from the oak. Soft tannins provide good structure and mouth-feel, and the lingering finish shows classic notes of ripe dark fruit.
THE FOOD
This Italian red will complement grilled red meats, meat-based pasta sauces, braised lamb shanks, rigatoni with spicy sausage, tomato sauce, arugula and parmesan, Portobello cheese burgers and rich eggplant dishes.
RELEASE DATE: February 2014
5 - Grand Red II - California
Sugar Code: 0 Alcohol Vol: 14
THE REGION
Napa Valley has become synonymous with great California wine and is arguably the most prestigious wine region in North America. Lined with mountain ranges and benefitting from the nearby Pacific Ocean, the region enjoys a Mediterranean climate perfectly suited to growing high quality wine grapes. The long growing season boasts sunny, warm, dry days and cool evenings, the ideal combination for grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
THE WINE
The Grand Red II is a rich and full blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with ripe fruit notes of dark cherry, raspberry and black currant which are enhanced by oak and spice. The lush texture and soft tannins provide great mouth-feel. Juicy rich fruit, sweet spice and oak linger on the finish.
Includes grape skins.
THE FOOD
This rich red would complement roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, grilled steak with blue cheese butter, rich lentil dishes, and hard aged cheeses.
RELEASE DATE: March 2014
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cheers Rob, saved me a job listing them.
Taking orders now, last orders to be in by the end of November.
WINEXPERT
South African Shiraz Cabernet with Grape Skins released in UK March 14 - £112.00
South African Viognier Chenin Blanc Roussanne released in UK March 14 - £89.95
Pacific Quartet released in UK April 14 - £89.95 (cracking kit, released a couple of years ago)
Oregon Pinot Noir released in UK May 14 - 92.50
Washington Cabernet Merlot released in UK June 14 - £92.50
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Kenridge LE
Prices
Spain - Temp Garnacha -rrp £95.99
Aussie - Shiraz Grenache- rrp £99.99
Aussie - Ries Gewrtz Chard - £95.99
Italy - Primitivo - £95.99
California - Grand Red 2 - £99.99
Last edited by Duffbeer; 29-10-2013, 02:55 PM.Discount Home Brew Supplies
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Now I'm confused. I was planning on the pinot nior and Aust. shriaz, but read alot about the Pacific Quartet. Looks like its a different from previous years but looks interesting. It's off dry- does it come with a f-pack, is it sweet as 2012 German splatese? what are your thoughts on the PQ?
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Originally posted by krakowmike View Postread alot about the Pacific Quartet. Looks like its a different from previous years but looks interesting. It's off dry- does it come with a f-pack, is it sweet as 2012 German splatese?
I hadn't noticed that they have used viognier from Chile instead of vidal from British Columbia but kept the same name on the wine. The other three varieties are the same and from the original regions.
Yes I believe it does come with a small f-pack but I don't know how the sweetness compares with the German Traminer Spatlese other than they are both listed as off dry.
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Originally posted by godfrey View Postwhat would be the cost of delivery ?
Although the online shop only has a limited variety of stock showing, Karl can get you just about anything that anybody else sells so I do virtually all my homebrew shopping through Karl. He is also great on postage if for instance you wanted a packet of yeast, he will only charge you first class post or as near as, unlike some online shops that have a flat rate of £4.00 or £6.00 or whatever.
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Originally posted by krakowmike View PostNow I'm confused. I was planning on the pinot nior and Aust. shriaz, but read alot about the Pacific Quartet. Looks like its a different from previous years but looks interesting. It's off dry- does it come with a f-pack, is it sweet as 2012 German splatese? what are your thoughts on the PQ?
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