1999 Cape d'Estaing Kangaroo Island Admiral's Reserve Shiraz, 1.5ltr

Cape d’Estaing is on Kangaroo Island, in the Southern Ocean off the coast of South Australia, not far from Adelaide. The estate was founded in 1993 when four couples together bought a 500-acre estate with the idea of planting vineyards and making wine. By the late 1990s the partners had planted 25 acres of vineyards and the estate was producing Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that earned compliments from wine reviewers. Robert M. Parker Jr. rated the Cape d’Estaing 1998 Shiraz Kangaroo Island at 94 pts and noted that “the spectacular quality of these first releases is sure to make consumers take notice of this island operation.” The estate makes Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

South Australia is the nation’s most important wine region. South Australia is to Australia what California is to the U.S. About half of Australia’s wine comes from South Australia and many of the country’s most acclaimed producers are there. Wineries based in South Australia include Penfolds Grange, Torbreck, Amon Ra, Henschke and Jacob’s Creek. The prestigious Barossa Valley is located in South Australia, and is often compared to Napa Valley because it is gorgeous topography covered in grape vines. First farmed by 19th century German-speakers who immigrated from what is now Poland, the Barossa Valley is the crown jewel of the region. South Australia has widely varying climates, from very hot, dry areas to cooler, high altitude areas. There are more than 150,000 acres of vineyards in South Australia, with more being planted each month. Shiraz is king, though the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Semillon.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.