The Event: a retrospective vertical tasting of Kacaba syrahs, VQA produced in Vineland Niagara.

The Date and Time: Friday, June 20, 2014  10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

The Event: a retrospective vertical tasting of Kacaba syrahs, VQA produced in Vineland Niagara.

The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada.

The Availability/Catalogue: some of these wines are still available at the winery, and some prices have been given below. We also tasted some tank samples from the 2013 vintage, from three different vineyards.

The Quote/Background: Kacaba has been renowned for its syrahs, so the WWCC prevailed upon their winemaker, John Tummon (who was responsible for more than half of the vintages), to lead us in a seminar-tasting with Q & A about every one of the 17 wines. It was instructive and informative. The winery began in 1996, and soon made its first syrahs. The original winemaker was Sue Ann Staff, followed by Jim Warren, and eventually in 2005 John Tummon came aboard.

The Wines: In 2005, no syrah was harvested. The 2001 showed ladybug and is not rated, but it was discussed.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Kacaba Syrah 2000, harv. Oct 26

-Kacaba Syrah 2006, harv. Sep 30, 12.2% ABV

-Kacaba Syrah 2007 Proprietor's Reserve, harv. Oct 3, 12.8% ABV

-Kacaba Syrah 2010 Reserve Main Vineyard, harv. Sept 27, 13.1% ABV, co-fermented (as are all below) 5% Viognier $69.95

-Kacaba Syrah 2010 Single Vineyard, harv. Sept 29, 13.9% ABV, 5% Viognier $39.95

-Kacaba Syrah 2012, harv. Oct 2, 13.7% ABV, 5% Viognier $39.95

-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Terrace Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Kacaba Syrah 2002, harv. Oct 7, 14.3% ABV

-Kacaba Syrah 2004 Reserve, harv. Oct 25, 13.8% ABV

-Kacaba Syrah 2009 Single Vineyard, harv. Oct 30, 12.9% ABV, $29.99

-Kacaba Syrah 2011 PS Flats Vineyard, harv. Oct 4, 12.9% ABV, 5% Viognier $29.95

-Kacaba Syrah 2011 Ravine/Main Vineyards, harv. Oct 8, 13.3% ABV, 5% Viognier $29.95

-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Main Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]

-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Flats Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Kacaba Syrah 2003, harv. Nov 4, 12% ABV

-Kacaba Syrah 2008, harv. Oct 23, 12.4% ABV

 

The Contact Person: winemaker@kacaba.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com