Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 2018

You would be hard pressed to find a more generous McLaren Vale Shiraz packed with personality under $50 than the Hillside Shiraz. Yes it is a little rustic – that is part of the charm in this wine. Fruit is drawn from just two estate blocks a stone throw from the winery – Block 11 at the top of the hill and New Block 6, planted from the original vines planted in the nineteenth century on the property.

As is the Kay Brothers low yielding style, the wine is black as the ace of spades and brooding. Tarry, liquorice, black pepper scented fruits are supported by a healthy dose of sweet oak which is prominent but also sits comfortably in the wine – this wine has crowd pleaser written all over it. That then leads to a dense and robust palate; rich dark fruits are underscored by mouth coating tannins. The fruit is bright and composed over what is quite significant structure that draws out a long and strong finish. This wine is superb now but will get even better over the next decade.