Kaesler 'Old Bastard' Shiraz

The Kaesler ‘Old Bastard’ Barossa Shiraz is arguably one of Australia’s most highly regarded wines. Ruby red, purple through to maroon. Ticking all the dark berry’s, blackberry, mulberry, blueberry raspberry with hints of Plum. Delightful layers of mocha and spice from the extra tight grain oak fills the glass. On the palate, full and 'mouth-filling'. It opens with an abundance of bright dark berries and tight chalky tannins with layers of mocha, coffee and chocolate As always the wine is completely in balance. The finish is long and firm, the gift that keeps on giving.

• Winery: Kaesler
  
• Varietal: Shiraz
  
• Region: Barossa Valley, Australia
  
• Vintage: 2018
  
• Alcohol: 14.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
• Other: Sustainable Winegrowing, Vegan-Friendly
• Food pairing: Lamb roast, beef, game meat, pork & pepperoni; tuna & salmon; pizza; BBQ & heavy red sauces; bleu-veined cheeses

Kaesler History:

"The first owners of the Kaesler vineyards were Silesian pioneers who came to the Barossa Valley in the 1840s and took up 96 acres in 1891. By 1893 they had planted the entire acreage with Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvedre) and White Hermitage vines. Some of the gnarled dry-grown Shiraz still remains and provides the backbone of the intense wines we produce.

Over time, the Kaeslers pulled vines to plant fruit trees and to keep horses and cows. The site now home to the Kaesler Cellar Door; the old brick horse stable now holds a private tasting room, with Ernst Kaesler’s old house, now the Kaesler Cottages accommodation.

The remaining vines mostly consisted of red and fortified varieties, some Grenache added in the 1930’s and more Shiraz planted in the 60’s and 70’s. These plantings accounting for some of the celebrated aged Shiraz we produce today."

A Century of Tradition:

"The Kaesler vineyards were owned and operated by the Kaesler family from 1893 to 1986. In 1999, renowned agribusiness entrepreneur, Ed Peter and established winemaker Reid Bosward, together with business partners, seized the opportunity to purchase the property. They immediately set about regenerating the famous old vines and creating legendary wines. At this time, the Kaesler vineyards consisted of over 70% red wine vines, all 40 years of age or more.

Having access to premium old vine material, the winemaking and viticulture team set out to produce bold estate wines representative of the Barossa Valley. The intensity of the old vine Shiraz was the inspiration behind the production of the “Old Bastard.” Classified as “Outstanding” by Langtons with its rich and intense fruit style, the Old Bastard Shiraz paved the way for Kaesler. A string of highly celebrated wines followed suit, including the ‘Alte Reben’ and ‘Old Vine’ Shiraz, the infamous ‘Bogan’ Shiraz, Avignon Grenache blend and the approachable Stonehorse range.

A 5 star James Halliday rated winery, the winemaking team with their distinct style and modest winemaking techniques, consistently produce wines rated over 90 points by industry peers and publications."

Kaesler

• 98/100 Points - Nicks Wines (2018 vintage)
  
• 97/100 Points - James Suckling (2018 vintage)
  
• 5 Stars - Gavin Hubble (2018 vintage)
• 'Outstanding' - Langtons Classified (2018 vintage)
  
• 94/100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2018 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Tyson Stelzer, Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
  
• 98/100 Points - James Halliday (2016 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - James Suckling (2015 vintage)
  
• 96/100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)
  
• 97/100 Points - James Suckling (2013 vintage)