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96
/ 100
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96
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Kaesler’s Old Vine Shiraz is a testament to the enduring heritage of the Barossa Valley, with fruit sourced from estate vineyards where many vines are over 40 years old. Since its establishment in 1893, Kaesler has maintained a reputation for thoughtful stewardship of these historic sites, utilising traditional viticulture and a hands-off approach in the winery to allow the fruit’s natural character to shine. The focus is on sustainable practices, dry-farming and minimal chemical input, producing grapes of genuine concentration and complexity.
The 2015 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, allowing for slow and even ripening across the vineyard’s mature blocks. Grapes were hand-harvested at full physiological ripeness, fermented in small open vats with gentle extraction, and basket-pressed to retain purity of fruit and structure. Maturation in a combination of French and American oak added layers of spice and texture without overwhelming the wine’s core fruit expression. In the glass, the wine offers dense aromas of blackcurrant, plum and blueberry, complemented by mocha, five-spice and a touch of earth. The palate is plush and full-bodied, with supple tannins, a juicy acid line, and a finish that lingers with savoury nuance. This release is an authentic representation of Barossa old-vine Shiraz - deeply flavoured, impeccably balanced, and reflective of both Kaesler’s winemaking philosophy and the unique personality of its ancient vineyards.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2015
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia, Barossa Valley
Alcohol %: 14.5%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
96 / 100"The 2015 Old Bastard Shiraz, from vines planted in 1893, boasts ethereal aromas of menthol, licorice, blueberries and roasted meat. It's a big, full-bodied wine, yet it comes across as lighter than expected, with a fluid, silky feel on the palate and a bright, peppery finish. A wine of seeming contradictions, it's concentrated but lively, ripe yet crisp, savory and fruity, and loaded up front while being long on the finish. It should drink well for over a decade."
- Joe Czerwinski
96 / 100
"Dark purple. Powerful, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dark fruit preserves, vanilla, incense and violet. Alluringly sweet and broad on the palate, offering deeply concentrated blueberry, cassis, floral pastille and vanilla flavors plus suggestions of five-spice powder and cola. The floral quality repeats emphatically on an impressively long, velvety finish that"s framed by smooth, harmonious tannins."
- Josh Raynolds
