Making My First Batch - Ken Ridge Showcase Australian Shiraz

I've done one. Nothing spectacular, just follow the kit directions. It's a decent wine. I'm normally partial to WinExpert Selects, but this is a good one. If for some reason it ends up a little thin - I've blended 15-18% Cab to Shiraz kits and it made them very nice. But I didn't need to for my Ken Ridge.

DAve

JB wrote:

Only very periferal experience. When I spend several months in Perth about

10 years ago I had some really excelent Shiraz. Any chance you could buy grapes from some of the vineyards? If so you would beat out any red kit wine.

Ray

Ray:

I think that the kit company bought grapes from the Australian vineyards to make this kit.

It's pretty difficult for us North Americans to buy Australian grapes. Not sure where the original poster lives but most likely England or Canada because that is where that brand has the best distribution.

Steve

Original poster (that would be me) lives in Arkansas. Bought my kit from EC Kraus in Missouri. I believe that you are correct in that the grapes are from the appellation. At least that's what the promotional material says.

JB:

Some of my customers really like this kit (and others in this brand). I haven't made this Shiraz for myself.

I believe that EC Kraus is one of the very few places that this kit is available in the States.

As with all red kits, if you can age for 3+ months it will improve a bunch.

Steve