The Wine Front – Blackberry and blueberry, spice and aniseed, a lick of vanilla. Full bodied, but kind of smooth with it, dark chocolate and black olives, balanced acidity, and deep fleshy tannin rolling onto the finish. Richness of fruit, grounded by the earthiness of Kay’s. It’s entirely convincing, and good.
James Halliday – "An incredibly dense and luxuriant palate grabs all the attention; how this has been achieved with 14% alcohol is anyone's guess, but I'm not disposed to argue, because the outcome is a totally serendipitous, supple, full-bodied shiraz replete with dark Swiss chocolate wrapped around luscious black fruits." Halliday Wine Companion '16
The Wine Front – "Pleasing symmetry between price and vine age. This 2017 is made from 125 year old vines. 746 dozen is the total production. I’d have Block 6 in my list of the greatest Australian Shiraz. I’ll offer that 2017 was a curious vintage for McLaren Vale reds, they’re a bit different, but high quality all the same.
It’s just above medium bodied, but feels dense and compact in tannin. Blackberry, aniseed, subtle toasty oak, sage and floral perfume. It has what you might call a ‘coolness’ to it, distinct umami flavour also laden with spice. That usual ironstone and crushed rock sort of character you may find in Block 6 is there too. Finish is long, and the tannin brings it home. Wonderful character and vinous integrity. It’s a little different, yet typical."
95+ Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2019, Drink: 2022 - 2038+
The Wine Front – This hits it right on with its combination of easy drinking appeal and just-firm-enough structure. Raspberry and roses, hazelnut and mint, maybe a bit of new leather. Fine balance, gentle scratch of tannin, succulent red fruit and jelly flavour, yet savoury nutty complexity too. Finish is fresh and long. Warm climate Pinot, for sure. It’s a beauty.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Pale to medium ruby/purple, the Basket Pressed Grenache has intense, red currant jelly, cranberry sauce and raspberry coulis aromas with hints of Rosés, pepper and orange peel. Full-bodied, soft, rich and seductive, it finishes long and pure.
The Wine Front – Tasted this at the winery back in April, and here it is again. Good things come to those who wait, sometimes twice. Double Happiness. What I wrote back then, I’ve copied in, and elaborated on.
Asian spices, black fruits, vanilla, dark chocolate and liquorice. Full bodied, deep and savoury, an explosion of dark chocolate, black olive and soy, toasty oak in support, dense ferrous tannin, running to toothsome 85% dark chocolate on a very long finish. Big. Balanced. Beautiful. I’d roll down this Hillside any day.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Medium to deep garnet/purple, the Basket Pressed Mataro has notes of crushed black plums and warm black cherries with hints of fertile earth, charcoal and marmite toast. Full-bodied with tons of youthful vitality and freshness, it has a long and fruity finish.
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Founded in 1890, Kay Brothers is steeped in winemaking tradition, holding the esteemed title of being the oldest family-owned winery in McLaren Vale. Located on the foothills of the region, the estate benefits from an ideal combination of soil type, elevation, and climate, factors instrumental in producing wines of character and distinction. Over the decades, the winery has remained faithful to its roots, using traditional winemaking techniques while incorporating modern innovations. The estate's wines, known for their depth, complexity, and authenticity, capture the essence of McLaren Vale, providing a genuine taste of a region renowned for its viticultural prowess. With a legacy spanning generations, Kay Brothers stands as a testament to the timeless allure of well-crafted wines.
Kay Brothers, with its rich lineage in the wine industry, is renowned for producing wines that epitomize the character and spirit of McLaren Vale. The winery is particularly celebrated for its robust and flavorful Shiraz, a varietal that the region itself is famed for. But the mastery of Kay Brothers doesn't stop there. They have also garnered acclaim for their Grenache, offering layers of complexity and nuance, as well as their Cabernet Sauvignon, which showcases the perfect balance between fruit intensity and structural tannins. Over the years, Kay Brothers' commitment to crafting wines that reflect the terroir has made them a beacon for those seeking authentic McLaren Vale expressions.
Kay Brothers wines are meticulously crafted in the picturesque region of McLaren Vale, South Australia. This area, blessed with a Mediterranean climate, diverse soil types, and the moderating influence of the nearby ocean, provides an optimal terroir for viticulture. Nestled amidst this fertile landscape, the Kay Brothers estate benefits from these unique conditions, ensuring that each grape variety is cultivated to its utmost potential, resulting in wines that truly embody the essence of the region.
Determining the "best" from Kay Brothers can be subjective, given the consistent quality and diversity of their offerings. However, some wines have risen to prominence due to their exceptional character and acclaim from critics. The Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz, sourced from century-old vines, is a standout, often hailed for its depth, complexity, and aging potential. Similarly, the Cuthbert Cabernet Sauvignon, named in honor of the winery's founding brothers, is celebrated for its elegance and refined palate. While these are just a couple of examples, many of the winery's vintages have carved their niche, making choosing the "best" a delightful dilemma.
The portfolio of Kay Brothers is diverse, offering wines that cater to a range of price points. While certain premium vintages, especially those sourced from old vines or produced in limited quantities, command higher prices, Kay Brothers also offers a range of wines that provide exceptional value for their quality. Their commitment to producing wines that cater to both connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts ensures that there's something for every budget. So, while some of their iconic wines might be investment pieces, many others provide an accessible entry point to the world of Kay Brothers, showcasing the winery's dedication to sharing the McLaren Vale experience with all.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.