Kay Brothers Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre 2000
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This is a deep coloured full-bodied wine with abundant ripe fruit flavours and subtle oak influences.
Established in 1890 by Australian born brothers Herbert and Frederick Kay, it is the oldest McLaren Vale
winery still in the hands of the founding family, with Herbert’s grandson Colin Kay continuing the family
winemaking tradition. Bordering St. Vincent’s Gulf, 24 miles south of Adelaide, the Kay Brothers
McLaren Vale vineyards grace the rolling foothills of the Southern Mt. Lofty Ranges. The winery is
located at the top of a hill three miles from the McLaren Vale Township and the cellar door, which is part
of the original winery complex, boasts some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque
valleys and hillsides.
The Kays are specialists of traditional grape growing and winemaking, utilizing grapes from their own 54
acre vineyards to produce their wines. The main grape variety grown is Shiraz (including the 1892
planted Block 6) followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvedre) and Muscat
Blanc. Colin’s winemaking philosophy is to make rich full-bodied fruit-driven wines (using the original
open fermenters and basket press) with a minimum of 18 months aging in small American oak casks.
The Block 6 Shiraz & Hillside Shiraz spend up to two and a half years maturing in a combination of
American, Eastern European and French oak barrels.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.