Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 1999 Front Label
Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 1999 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

During the last decade of the 19th Century Herbert & Frederick Kay planted the first Shiraz vines on the eastern hillside of their McLaren Vale Amery Vineyard. In 1992 the last of those original Hillside Shiraz plantings - Block 6 - celebrated its centenary and to commemorate this milestone Herbert's grandson Colin began replanting the old Hillside vineyard using cuttings taken from the ancient gnarled vines of Block 6.

An inviting combination of sweet ripe berry aromas, intense purple red colour and concentrated full bodied flavours. Further bottle maturation will allow this superb Shiraz to reach its full potential and we recommend decanting 1 hour prior to drinking.

Professional Ratings

  • 96
    Deep garnet-brick in color and revealing a nose redolent of sandalwood, incense, Chinese five spice and soy, with hints of anise, fruit cake, prunes and figs, the 1999 Hillside Shiraz is drinking very well now and showing great poise in the mouth with expressive spice and dried berry flavors, medium level velvety tannins and a refreshing acid lift in the long finish. Drink now.
Kay Brothers

Kay Brothers

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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.”

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McLaren Vale

South Australia

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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.

SSR39920_1999 Item# 39920