RJ Spagnols Cru Select Australian Shiraz quality?

[don1234]

Curious about what to expect from the Cru Select Australian Shiraz having never made any Cru Select kits before. How does this kit compare to the Cellar Classic or the Cellar Classic Winery Series?

http://www.finevinewines.com/ProdDet.asp?PartNumber=24476

Looking to maximize this kits potential with bulk aging, any other tips/experiences? Used the search function but not much came up.

 

[cpfan]

Cru Select is better than Cellar Classic, not as good as Cellar Classic Winery Series or En Primeur.


Steve

 

[don1234]

Update: At almost one year old now and wow am impressed with this kits amazingly true Shiraz grape flavors. Superior quality with nice aroma's that put it over the top. Comparatively the highly anticipated Mosti Australian Renaissance Shiraz kit is far less Shiraz like and cannot compare in quality with this Cru Select kit.

 

[Dean]

awesome to hear! I think the RJS kits are very underrated for what they produce. I love to see comparisons like this.

 

[robie]

Don,



Thanks for the comparison. This is great stuff!



So have you also made the Ren Shiraz kit? How long had the Ren. kit aged when you compared?



Not knowing how long the MM Ren. kit was aged, it might be that it takes a little longer to develop.



Like Dean said, it's nice to have these comparisons. It would be
interesting to have a little more detail, concerning the comparison. Its a bummer if you wait a year and find out you should have bought the "other" kit.

I wonder how much a shiraz grape pack might have improved this kit?

 

[don1234]

The Mosti Renaissance Shiraz kit is over 14 months and is a good wine but you would probably have to read the bottle label to know its a Shiraz. We tasted these two kits side by side which made the difference far more noticeable. The Cru Select Shiraz fruitiness explodes in your mouth and has a very intense aroma. Both kits were stored in the same basement for aging.

 

[robie]

The Mosti Renaissance Shiraz kit is over 14 months and is a good wine but you would probably have to read the bottle label to know its a Shiraz. We tasted these two kits side by side which made the difference far more noticeable. The Cru Select Shiraz fruitiness explodes in your mouth and has a very intense aroma. Both kits were stored in the same basement for aging.

Thanks again. That's important to know. I might make that kit!

(Of course you know there is probably someone out there somewhere who will disagree with you... what is it they say, "Ask ten wine makers a question and you will get back eleven different answers.")

Have fun, Don!