Kay Brothers, Basket Pressed Shiraz, 2021

CRIKEY!!! what do we have here? Aussies know a thing or two about wine... Look at this fella, the Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Shiraz 2021—a wine from the oldest McLaren Vale winery still in founding family hands. These guys have been doing it since 1890, and they haven't lost a step! They take sticking to tradition to a new level! They still use the basket press method on their grapes...but I am sure you knew that from the name but for those who don't know. It’s old-school, labour-intensive, and absolutely worth the effort. By gently squeezing the grapes, the winery ensures the tannins remain silky-smooth rather than harsh. It’s a "miracle" of traditional winemaking that rewards the patient soul! This 2021 vintage is a powerhouse of "liquid velvet," hitting the glass with a rich, deep hue that hints at the intensity to come. On the nose, it is loaded with black cherry and exotic blackberry compote, punctuated by Asian spices, liquorice, and a classic "cigar box" aromatic profile. The palate is juicy and powerful, balancing Old World elegance with the fleshy dark fruit intensity of South Australian soil. Expect layers of sour cherries, pine needles, and a final flourish of savoury iron ore, all framed by vibrant acidity and super-fine tannins that grip the mid-palate and carry the finish for days.