2018 Kay Brothers Amery Block 6 Shiraz, McLaren Vale

From 126yo vines and a traditional approach to vinification. Fine boned. Powerful, sure, but there is a stridency to the fruit rather than a stolidness. Maritime shiraz, at its best, has a cooler side to violet, bergamot, boysenberry, anise and clove scents. The pepper-clad acidity, vibrant and pulling the melee long. The oak, ample, but not exaggerated. Intense, compact, fragrant and ready for the long haul.

96 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

Stately 126 year old vines. Raised in 40% new American and French oak puncheons. One of the great wines of Australia. Savoury and rippling with ferrous and dense tannin, intense blackberry and boysenberry flavour, nutty oak, black olives and dried herb. Acidity is firm and pretty zesty, but sits inside the wine well enough. Drink till 2038 +

95 points Gary Walsh thewinefront.com.au September 2020

A traditional winery with a rich history and just over 20ha of priceless old vines; while the white wines have been variable, the red and fortified wines can be very good. Of particular interest is Block 6 Shiraz, made from 120+-year-old vines; both vines and wines are going from strength to strength. Celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2020.

Kay Brothers Amery Block 6 Shiraz is a legendary wine from McLaren Vale, South Australia, crafted by the historic Kay Brothers winery. Known for its rich history and exceptional old-vine Shiraz, Kay Brothers has been producing premium wines since 1890, and the Block 6 Shiraz stands as a flagship expression of the estate’s dedication to quality and tradition.

The grapes for this wine come from the iconic Block 6 vineyard, planted in 1892 and comprising some of the oldest Shiraz vines in McLaren Vale. These ancient, dry-grown vines produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit, capturing the unique character of the vineyard’s ironstone and sandy loam soils. The warm Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale further enhances the ripeness and concentration of the grapes.

Winemaking at Kay Brothers is guided by traditional methods, including open-top fermentation and basket pressing, to gently extract color, flavor, and tannins. The wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for up to two years, adding depth, structure, and complexity while preserving the integrity of the fruit.

In the glass, Block 6 Shiraz exhibits a deep crimson color with garnet highlights. The nose is intense and complex, offering aromas of blackberry, plum, and mulberry, interwoven with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, spice, and a touch of cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity supporting flavors of rich dark fruit, black pepper, and savory herbs. The finish is long, layered, and luxurious, reflecting the wine’s exceptional balance and power.

This Shiraz is a perfect match for grilled lamb, slow-cooked beef, or hearty stews. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheddar or blue cheese. While approachable now with decanting, Block 6 Shiraz is built to age, developing further complexity and elegance over 15-20 years in the cellar.