Review: Kay Bro's 1998 Hillside Shiraz
- vinterest
- Jun 15, 2015
- 1 min read
The low-down: We're back from Sydney but the festival of vintage Aussie wines continues! Following the 1999 Petaluma Riesling, the 1987 Orlando St Hugo, the 1994 Bannockburn Shiraz and a 1972 Wynns Cabernet this evening we're opening a 1988 Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz.
Kay Brothers is an Aussie wine-maker that traces its history back to the 1890s - that's pretty old for down-under - in fact the oldest in McLaren Vale, one of Australia's most renowned wine growing regions 40 km south of Adelaide. The winery is still in the hands of the founding family.
The blend is 100% shiraz and at an ABV of 14.6% it won't be shy. This set us back A$60 - yeah a little pricey but its nearly 20 years old.
The take: Solid, dark red appearance. The legs are fast. Lots of sediment at the bottom - no surprise for an older wine. The nose is very fruity, ripe, woody, and curiously with a hint of rotting vegetables...hope no offence is caused! The bouquet is complex with notes of sweet and sour sauce and barn-yard! The attack has a nice balance of tannins. Little sugar, a composed attack. Rich, solid, very smooth, with maple syrup, malt and dark chocolate. Hints of sour orange. In true shiraz style the smooth crescendo is capped with a peppery after-bite. An abundance of flavor. Delicious.
In closing: Sublime, dark and sensual.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Australia
Region: McLaren Value
Producer: Kay Brothers
Vintage: 1998
Grape: Shiraz
Alcohol content: 14.6%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Premium
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