Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2004 750ml, Barossa Valley
The 2004 Old Bastard Shiraz is a big and bold sensation that has been meticulously crafted by Kaesler Wines from 1.08 hectares of old vine Shiraz located at Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley. This particular vintage presents itself as approachable now and has the right stuff to last well beyond 2020.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 95 pts - Kaesler's icon cuvee is their Shiraz Old Bastard, produced from a single vineyard planted in 1896, and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. The 2004 is a big yet remarkably elegant, deep purple-colored Shiraz offering notes of blueberries, black raspberries, and toasty oak, a superb texture, admirable richness, and a long, heady finish. There is plenty of tannin lurking beneath the cascade of fruit, glycerin, and extract. While accessible, it is too young to drink at present, and is meant to keep for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025+. - Oct 2006
James Halliday's Wine Companion - 95 pts - Great colour, deep and clear; extreme concentration, focus and power; a super-charged V8 engine idling and waiting to go, with all the fruit one could wish for. Try cellaring for 10 years minimum. Date tasted 7 Apr 2006, Drink by 2024
Wine Spectator - 95 pts - Big but graceful. Offers a plush mouthful of ripe cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and cardamom, mingling beautifully on the rich, expressive finish. The tannins are beautifully integrated and refined, but definitely worth cellaring to soften. Shiraz. Best from 2010 through 2020. 500 cases made. -HS, Oct 15 2007
Expert Reviews
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 95 pts - Kaesler's icon cuvee is their Shiraz Old Bastard, produced from a single vineyard planted in 1896, and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. The 2004 is a big yet remarkably elegant, deep purple-colored Shiraz offering notes of blueberries, black raspberries, and toasty oak, a superb texture, admirable richness, and a long, heady finish. There is plenty of tannin lurking beneath the cascade of fruit, glycerin, and extract. While accessible, it is too young to drink at present, and is meant to keep for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025+. - Oct 2006
James Halliday's Wine Companion - 95 pts - Great colour, deep and clear; extreme concentration, focus and power; a super-charged V8 engine idling and waiting to go, with all the fruit one could wish for. Try cellaring for 10 years minimum. Date tasted 7 Apr 2006, Drink by 2024
Wine Spectator - 95 pts - Big but graceful. Offers a plush mouthful of ripe cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and cardamom, mingling beautifully on the rich, expressive finish. The tannins are beautifully integrated and refined, but definitely worth cellaring to soften. Shiraz. Best from 2010 through 2020. 500 cases made. -HS, Oct 15 2007
