An emerging wine region: Kangaroo Island

An intro to KI Wine

Kangaroo Island was declared a wine region in 2001, making it one of the youngest wine regions in Australia, with the majority of the vineyards planted in the 1990s.

The hilly terrain of the mainland that runs from the Flinders Ranges through Adelaide and down the Fleurieu Peninsula, extends on through Kangaroo Island, and with its cool Mediterranian climate, the grapes ripen almost simultaneously with those in the Adelaide Hills region.

KI’s vineyards do come with a unique point of difference: the vines’ proximity to the ocean and its relatively consistent temperature, meaning the days don’t get as warm or the nights as cold, lead to a long, slow, even ripening period – resulting in perfect fruit for winemaking.

The producers of Kangaroo Island are passionate about the land and what grows on it. Many were farmers before they were grape growers and winemakers, and their knowledge of the seasons and their land enable them to grow some of South Australia’s best quality fruit. The wines are small batch, handmade and cared for from vineyard to bottle to consumer. With its natural beauty and healthy environment, KI truly is an untapped Australian wine region and is making an impression in markets around Australia and the globe. The Islander Estate Vineyard

The Rose 2019 Paying homage to Provençal wines, The Rose is elegant and playful. Don’t be fooled by the hints of sherbet, honeydew and rockmelon on the nose – this wine is dry but sports amazing texture and depth. Bark Hut Road 2018 Shiraz Cabernet Franc This elegant Bordeaux-style blend offers firm tannins, natural acidity, beautiful blackberry and sarsaparilla notes with hints of French oak. It will age beautifully up to ten years and beyond.

Bay of Shoals

Riesling 2019 This riesling is made from the fruit of vines thought to be the closest in the southern hemisphere to the ocean, growing just thirty metres from the water’s edge. The result is a fresh and lively wine with notes of aromatic key lime and lemon blossom, that complement a delicate yet zesty citrus palate. The finish is clean and crisp and although perfect for drinking now, it will age beautifully and gracefully.

Springs Road

Chardonnay 2018 Planted in 1994 on a small sheep property just west of Kingscote, the Springs Road vineyard was bought by Joch Bosworth and Louise HemsleySmith in 2016 with their first wines released in 2018. Fermented in barrel, this chardonnay is a delicious full-bodied (but not buttery) wine showing cashew and white stone fruit on the nose and palate, with a hint of nougat too. A super balanced wine with lovely oak, acid, fruit and length.

The Stoke Wines

Syrah 2019 Expressive red fruit with a freshness from 50% whole bunches. The palate has depth and a fine tannin structure that lingers. Enjoy now, or for the next five years.

Pinot Gris 2019 Varied ferment temperatures (and a touch in barrel) bring complexity, freshness and varietal aromas to this pinot gris. Time on lees fills out the palate, balanced by a crisp, bone-dry finish.

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