Benchmark McLaren Vale – Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz 2017

The heart of Kay Brothers is their 22 hectare Amery vineyard and its hallowed 3.5 acre Block 6 Shiraz, planted in 1892 from cuttings off the nearby original Hardy’s vineyard. For decades the fruit from Block 6 was blended in with the other Kay Brothers Shiraz but in 34 recent vintages it has been bottled separately to create what is the essence of great McLaren Vale Shiraz. It is a wine with incredible depth, power and structure making it one of South Australia’s most ageworthy reds. And in the 2017 vintage it celebrates the 125th year since Block 6 was planted.

This is an Australian legend that does not disappoint with an almost impenetrable colour and the highest level of power and complexity, and all with perfect balance in an old-fashioned style. Tar, licorice, boysenberry, pepper and crushed rock fruit are topped with a healthy dose of new oak. It’s then dry, robust and tannic, almost with a meaty texture, with fruit that has both immense impact and subtlety.  Unforgettable.