2019 Kay Brothers Amery Vineyard Basket Pressed Shiraz, McLaren Vale

The old basket presses at Kays have certainly seen plenty of vintages, and what that “quite gentle” fruit pressing provides is gentle wines. That does not mean they cannot be big, bold or tannic. More that all the pieces fit together like a glove, as is seen here. 
This wine is deeply coloured and the first elements that jump out are welcoming and delicious aromas – it just screams out drink me thanks to an array of earthy, spicy, mulberry fruits and old oak all woven together like a blanket. That continues on the palate, which is generous and supple, and supported by mouth coating tannins. It then finishes with some attractive tarry complexity which confirms that this wine offers great value for money. Drink from 2021 to 2029.

93 points Angus Hughson winepilot.com

Kay Brothers Amery Vineyard Basket Pressed Shiraz is a classic McLaren Vale wine, renowned for its bold fruit, velvety texture, and exceptional balance. Crafted by the historic Kay Brothers winery, which has been producing premium wines since 1890, this Shiraz reflects a deep commitment to traditional winemaking methods and the unique terroir of McLaren Vale.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from the estate’s Amery Vineyard, a site celebrated for its rich, ironstone soils and maritime-influenced climate. These conditions allow the Shiraz vines to produce intensely flavored, ripe grapes with excellent natural acidity and structure.

A defining feature of this wine is its traditional basket pressing. This gentle, time-honored technique minimizes harsh tannin extraction, resulting in a wine with incredible purity and smooth texture. Fermentation takes place in open fermenters to enhance flavor and aromatic development. The wine is then aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, adding layers of complexity and depth.

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby color with purple hues. The nose is opulent and inviting, offering aromas of blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, layered with notes of black pepper, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and richly textured, with fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity framing flavors of ripe dark fruit, licorice, and subtle smoky oak. The finish is long and harmonious, leaving a lingering impression of elegance and power.

This Shiraz pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as slow-cooked beef, grilled lamb chops, or barbecued ribs. It also complements aged cheddar or blue cheese, making it an excellent choice for both casual and formal dining. While approachable upon release, this wine has the structure to age gracefully for 10-15 years, rewarding patience with additional complexity and integration.