From Kendal-Jackson. Part of the first wave in this Californian's efforts to grab a slice of the UK premium wine market. Abv: 13.5% Price: £6.99 TARGET CONSUMER Pete Mules, 40, is a teacher from Portslade-By-Sea, E. Sussex I have visited several Californian vineyards and been struck by their grandeur rather than their wines. They were pleasant enough but lacked depth and character and left me longing for a good old solid Shiraz from my native Australia. So I was dubious about this chocolate wrapper labelled Zinfandel Shiraz ­ an intriguing prospect. It had a pleasant syrupy bouquet and seemed more Zinfandel than Shiraz, but it was more robust and smoother than I expected. After a couple of gulps there was a real party in my mouth, with some mainstream Shiraz doing its best to find the mark while the Zinfandel fizz was racing round the edge of my tongue. This wine will be best in 12 ­ 18 months, by which time I will be ready to drink it. Rating out of 25 ­ 16 Sally Easton Master of Wine and wine buyer for Berry Brothers and Rudd This has a pale ruby colour for a wine made from deep coloured varieties. The nose is one of obvious vanilla and cherries. It is full bodied with few tannins combined with jammy plum and cherry fruit. It has some easy appeal but the fruit flavours are only on the front palate and it lacks the tannin structure and depth of flavour to be a premium; the back palate finishes with a hot and dry note of alcohol. The Kendall-Jackson brand name comprises the most prominent detail on the label. With the appropriate marketing budget, this wine has the immediacy and simplicity of flavour to do well. Rating out of 25 ­ 15 Graham Shearsby Board creative director, graphics, at Design Bridge The striking thing about this is the use of the diagonal label which is always an eye-catching device. But it can be difficult to optimise and the general rule of thumb is keep it simple' and make it easy on the eye' which is where this falls down. This is a valiant attempt with an interesting combination of colours, but it is hard on the eye. The brand unit does not stand out and the overall presentation is trying too hard. It's not what you put in, its what you leave out that counts. But the leaf motif reminds me of another famous brand from the US and because of that I am sure it will have pick-up appeal. Rating out of 25 ­ 12 Steve Mayes Category controller at Landmark KJ makes fantastic wine. This is no exception. It's easy to drink ­ simple, fruity and attractive. The presentation is outrageously OTT ­ typical Californian, but it looks great on shelf. The costs and margins are acceptable ­ the rsp of £6.99 is a little high and will preclude certain punters, but once tried, Collage should be a regular purchase. It will appeal to consumers looking for more fruity styles and is ideal for the anti-tannin brigade. KJ is major league in the US and has big plans. Should be interesting ­ not just its progress but how its competitors react. Collage has all its takes. It's a must stock. Rating out of 25 ­ 22 Total score out of 100 ­ 65 {{DRINKS }}

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