Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2011 Block 6 Shiraz is intensely scented of kirsch, mulberries and warm red cherries with nuances of black and white pepper, cumin seed, star anise and cardamom. Medium-bodied, tightly knit and elegantly fruited in the mouth, it has somewhat bracing acidity at this youthful stage and a medium level of chewy tannins to lend support through the long finish. Drink it 2015 to 2025+.Rating: 93+
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Who says, "Shiraz has to break your mouth? The 2011 Kay Brothers Block 6 exhibits super elegance and strength. A product from a cool year, the winery, as it always does, lets the vineyard speak for itself. Now if I could only find a serving of leg of lamb, then I would be set for an evening. Medium deep rubyish color; super approachable aromas of red fruit and mineral, elegant and persistent, slight cool weather spin; medium bodied, pert and refined on the palate, well balanced; dry, fine acidity, well balanced; perky red fruit flavors; long finish, bright and sassy in the aftertaste. (Tasted: September 22, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
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.