Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2022

An iconic Barossa Valley Shiraz from an excellent vintage, maturation is in French oak for around a year and a half, approximately half of that oak new. The fruit is sourced from what the team term the ‘Old Vine Trio’ of vineyards, planted back in 1993, and they focus on the very oldest vines. The wine also enjoys what might be termed a less traditional label. Under cork. Blood red/maroon with a dark purple rim, this is a quintessential big, bold Barossa Shiraz. You will either absolutely adore it, or it may not be for you. I suspect most people will fall into the former category, bewitched by its plushness and the gorgeous nose, which reveals notes of black fruits, cassis, mocha, dried herbs, blackberries, axle grease, licorice and chocolate with excellent oak integration. The structure is seamless and yet intense, while juicy throughout. There is excellent length, balance and focus. Love it. A thirty-year proposition.