A question for Mr. Gargett

[Guest Sailor]

I understand that you are an acomplished wine taster as well as a cigar hound. What might you tell me about a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margret River. It is from Xanadu, a 2001 harvest curvee.

I have the opportunity to pick up a few cases at a great price.

If El Presidente feels that this question is out of bounds, by all means delete it.

Thanks in advance.

[benzig]

I agree this is off topic, but would be interested in Ken's point of view.

I am yet to find a good red from the region as I find they lack any body. A dissapointment as they produce quality whites.

[skid11]

Your post reminded me that I have a bottle of Xanadu 2000 in my mediocre cellar and not needing much of an excuse to crack open a fine red I did just that and I'm sipping on it as I type. Margaret River wines are more noted for their whites but they still produce excellent reds this is not a Coonowarra, Mornington Peninsula or Barossa red but still good. I'm going to light up a choix supreme which will match it superbly see what you've started Sailor ! If you like your reds big and bold then the Xanadu is a little light on but none the less still very tasty and if it's a bargain go for it. Hope this helps.;-)

[Ken Gargett]

first, apologies for the delay. been off forum for a few days.

i guess prices are all relative but that could be key.

the wine itself - i did check through my notes but couldn't track it down though i am pretty sure i have seen it. hence, this is a bit off the cuff. would assume that it would be a very fine red. 2001 is a wonderful vintage in margaret river, one of their best. xanadu is probably not absolutely first rank though if marg river had super seconds, they would not be out of place there. wines like moss wood and cullens are brilliant.

lot depends on personal preference. i see we have someone who doesn't find any marg river reds to his liking. fair enough but it makes me wonder how many good ones have come his way. those mentioned, junipers, vasse felix, voyager, leeuwin (reds have really kicked up a gear in last few years) and a heap more make some stunners. a bit like samuel johnson with his 'if you are tired of london, then you must be tired of life' or something like that. if you don't like marg river reds...

if, on the other hand, you have tried these and don't like them then look elsewhere (i'm thinking variety rather than region - i think marg river can match coonawarra and more, in most cases, and barring the top rank bordeaux, marg river is right up there with the best cabs in the world). if you are a pinotphile and can't come at cabernet (which i understand totally) or if you like the big, big wines - barossa shiraz etc - go for them.

best idea is to grab a bottle of the xanadu from a retailer, if your source won't allow you one and see if it suits your taste (ps - i'm always happy to have a crack at any wines questions, despite what the el pres thinks). hope this is some assistance.

[Guest Sailor]

Thanks for the input Ken. I picked up two cases of the Cab and one of the Schriaz (2001 as well) for under $160USD. At that price, if I only use it for cooking I'll be alright. I now also have a few names to look for as the market here is flooded with wine from Oz!!!

[Ken Gargett]

if you mean $160 in total for the three cases (and not each - which would also be a sensational bargain) then that is the biggest bargain since the dutch signed off on manhatten (or whoever it was).

[Ken Gargett]

if you want to flick a few names and prices thru (on forum or to [email protected] if you'd prefer, tho i'm sure some locals would be fascinated with those prices), i'd be happy to let you know what i think.

[Guest Sailor]

It actually was the total for all three cases. Seems the distributor had a space problem and my local guy picked up a selection and passed on the deal. There are two cases of Sauvigon Blanc from 2003 and a bit of Chardoney but I'm a red fan. With the summer weather comming, I might have to try the SB to see if I could be converted.

Right now I'm enjoying one of the Punch SS2's that you all have been ranting about. VERY dark wrappers, excellent taste and that is after I found them sitting on my front porch this afternoon!!!!! Seems they did not fit in the post box and the mailman walked them up to the house and left them on the step. A bit of time in one of the Humidors to recover from the trip and I'll try another but so far ****.

I'll make up a small list of some of the wines on the local shelves and the prices and post it a bit later in the week if the Pres has no objections. Maybe we can work out a deal where he ships cigars and I ship wine LOL.

Thanks for your input Ken.

[benzig]

» It actually was the total for all three cases.

Jeesus, for that price I take back what I said! An absolute bargain!

And my mistake I had forgotten the Cullens.

[El Presidente]

Let the world know....

All questinons pertaining to Wine, Women, Food and Song are permitted on Friends of Habanos.

We only deal with the essentials of life

[El Presidente]

Sailor

Unless the bottle was over $50 and gifted to Ken by the winery....he would never have tried it

[Guest Sailor]

» Sailor

»

» Unless the bottle was over $50 and gifted to Ken by the winery....he would

» never have tried it

OUCH!!!

[Ken Gargett]

rich, coming from someone seen eagerly devouring any castoffs that came within cooee!