Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards

McLaren Vale Block 6 Shiraz

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  Vintage 2017
  95 points The Wine Front

Pleasing symmetry between price and vine age. This 2017 is made from 125 year old vines. 746 dozen is the total production. I’d have Block 6 in my list of the greatest Australian Shiraz. I’ll offer that 2017was a curious vintage for McLaren Vale reds, they’re a bit different, but high quality all the same. It’s just above medium bodied, but feels dense and compact in tannin. Blackberry, aniseed, subtle toasty oak, sage and floral perfume. It has what you might call a ‘coolness’ to it, distinct umami flavour also laden with spice. That usual ironstone and crushed rock sort of character you may find in Block 6 is there too. Finish is long, and the tannin brings it home. Wonderful character and vinous integrity. It’s a little different, yet typical.

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  Vintage 2018
  96 points Halliday Wine Companion

From 126yo vines and a traditional approach to vinification. Fine boned. Powerful, sure, but there is a stridency to the fruit rather than a stolidness. Maritime shiraz, at its best, has a cooler side to violet, bergamot, boysenberry, anise and clove scents. The pepper-clad acidity, vibrant and pulling the melee long. The oak, ample, but not exaggerated. Intense, compact, fragrant and ready for the long haul.