Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Merlot 2019

If you are ever in McLaren Vale it is always worth dropping into the old Kay Brothers winery, much of which is still remarkably similar since the day it was built, aside from the odd splash of paint. This is a label and winery steeped in history. The wines are honest and generous McLaren Vale styles that offer plenty of flavour and complexity.

It has to be said though that McLaren Vale is not well known for the quality of its merlot, and if you are looking for elegant styles, as are found in Coonawarra or the Yarra Valley, then this wine will be a shock to the system. But it is delicious nonetheless and will appeal to fans of McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Bright deep ruby in colour, it has lashings of dark fruits; mulberry, blackberry and oak with concentrated black olive tapenade bringing some welcome varietal typicity. The palate is similarly ripe and rich, but also quite juicy and tannic. The concentration is strong and the balance good which gives significant ageing potential although plenty will enjoy the wine now with its youthful power and impact. A super wine that is still a little tight and taut at the moment but has the stuffing to drink well over the next decade, and probably longer. Enjoy with T-bone steak, hot off the grill.