Frank rarely gets as enthusiastic about big Aussie reds but he's been raving about the Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz ever since he tasted it late last week. The vineyard spot, on Chapel Hill Road at the top of the McLaren Vale, is truly exceptional and progenerated from the original Tintara (1848) vineyard, McLaren Vale's first Shiraz planting, on the opposite slope. These days only the Kay Brothers Block 6, Hillside and Rosemount's Balmoral can boast of this pedigree. This is a very highly recommended piece of Aussie history here! - JR
*2010 Kay Brothers Amery Vineyard, Hillside Shiraz, McLaren Vale
List Price: $67.50, Our Special e- mail Price: $56.99 with shipping included on 6 bottles or more
One taste of the 2010 Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz from Australia and I was immediately reminded of why these dramatic and opulent wines so dominated the market just a few short years ago.
The sheer power and overwhelming intensity of this wonderful McLaren Vale Shiraz are impossible to resist.
But who's resisting?
Certainly, not I. In fact, if I could swim in a vat of this marvelous elixir, I would be one very happy, and intoxicated, fellow.
Unfortunately, great wines like the Hillside Shiraz, made by famous estates like Kay Brothers, have suffered a cruel fate due to harsh economic factors down under, punishing weather conditions of almost Biblical proportions and, unhappily, the ever-shifting tastes of the wine-drinking public. Still, the Aussies are a tough bunch and the Kay Family, with over 120 years of history in the region, are not about to let a little famine, drought and pestilence prevent them from making world-class wines.
The 2010 Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz is a real tour de force, sourced from an east-facing, hillside vineyard originally planted in 1892 and re-planted over time from their legendary, 120 year-old Block 6 vineyard situated nearby. Colin Kay, great grandson of the founders Herbert and Frederick Kay, has modernized a bit over the years but still believes in the traditional approach laid down by his fore-bearers, including hand-picking, open-top fermentation and basket pressing.
The results are definitely in the bottle, as they say, with a fabulously dark, rich, meaty and earthy wine that will take your palate to the doors of heaven and back again. If ever there was an Aussie wine to get re-acquainted with, the 2010 Kay Brothers Hillside is that wine. You can do just that and save some serious dough at the same time by taking advantage of our special offer of only $56.99 per bottle, better than 15% off the list price. Go ahead, indulge yourself!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker: Deep purple-black in color, the 2010 Hillside Shiraz displays a nose of blackberry tart and warm black currants with underlying hints of black olives, oolong tea, bacon and thyme. Medium to full-bodied with mouth-filling black fruit and earthy/savory nuances, it has a firm and grainy tannin structure, a crisp acid line and long finish. Consider drinking it 2014 to 2021+. 92+ points
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