Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2005 750ml, Barossa Valley
Yet again another stellar winemaking performance by Kaesler Wines, the 2005 Old Bastard Shiraz has impressed wine critics both locally and abroad with its bold and lively fruit characteristics and silky texture. This wine has definitely matured into a more subdued beast that can either be enjoyed now or rested in the cellar for another few years.
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
Wine Spectator - 94 pts - Lithe and juicy. A lively mouthful of raspberry, currant, coffee and peppery spice flavors, lingering enticingly on the fine-grained finish. Shows a bit of heat on the finish, but has tremendous depth and persistence. A bit tight now, this can benefit from cellaring. Shiraz. Best from 2010 through 2018. 1,200 cases made. -HS, Jun 15 2008
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
Wine Spectator - 94 pts - Lithe and juicy. A lively mouthful of raspberry, currant, coffee and peppery spice flavors, lingering enticingly on the fine-grained finish. Shows a bit of heat on the finish, but has tremendous depth and persistence. A bit tight now, this can benefit from cellaring. Shiraz. Best from 2010 through 2018. 1,200 cases made. -HS, Jun 15 2008
