By Kay Brothers
2018 Basket-Pressed Shiraz

Wine Data
Producer: Kay Brothers
Region: McLaren Vale
Country: Australia
Wine Composition: 93% Shiraz, 6% Merlot, 1% Mataro
Alcohol: 14.50%
Total Acidity: 7.4 G/L
pH: 3.59
Residual Sugar: 2.0 G/L

2018 Vintage
This wine has a deep, ruby color and is a full-flavored Shiraz! Vintage 2018 began with good winter and early spring rainfall, preparing the vines for the summer ahead. In late spring, the weather began to warm up, and flowering conditions were moderate but later than most years. The summer was extremely dry, and veraison was late to commence but came on quickly as temperatures in late January rose. The final ripening period of February and early March continued to be dry. However, temperatures were mild, and conditions were ideal for steady ripening and flavor development.

Vineyard
The vineyard has a predominately eastern exposure. The soil varies from sandy loam at the top of the hill to heavier loam and clay as it transcends down the hill towards the creek. The dry climate forces the vine roots, ranging from 10-20 years of age, to delve into the complex underlying geology consisting of quartz and ironstone gravels, weathered and calcareous sandstone, siltstone, and limestone.

Winemaking
The fruit was harvested from the 15th to the 29th of March. It was immediately crushed, destemmed, and hand plunged utilizing open-top fermentation. Following 10-14 days on skins, traditional basket-pressing in the winery's 1928 basket press was employed. The wine then matured in a combination of American, French, and Eastern European oak barrels for 13 months.

Serving Hints
This wine is vegan and gluten-free.
[Information provided by Quintessential Wines]

Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards Basket Pressed McLaren Vale Shiraz
Winery: Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards
Winery Region: McLaren Vale
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2018
Halliday Rating: 93 - Silver
Date when tasted: 18 Jan 2020
Alcohol: 14.50%
Drink By: 2033
Closure: Screwcap
Reviewed by: James Halliday
Published: 01 August 2020
Includes 6% Merlot and 1% Mataro, crushed and destemmed, 12 days on skins, matured in oak from multiple sources for 13 months. This has unexpected life and thrust to its archetypal blackberry, plum and dark chocolate fruit. Ready whenever.

2018 Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Shiraz
From: Australia, South Australia, McLaren Vale
Color: Red
Maturity: Early
Type: Table
Sweetness: Dry
Variety: Syrah
Rating: 92
Release Price: $40
Drink Date: 2021 - 2030
Reviewed By: Joe Czerwinski
Issue Date: 26th Feb 2021
Source: Issue 253 End of February 2021, The Wine Advocate
The near-textbook 2018 Basket Pressed Shiraz is a classic representation of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Scents of vanilla and menthol mingle easily with blueberries and black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple enough to offer present-day enjoyment, yet it's framed by firm tannins sufficient to warrant cellaring of up to a decade, if desired. A historic estate, Kay Brothers continues to turn out traditional wines of excellent quality.

KAY BROTHERS SHIRAZ MCLAREN VALE BASKET PRESSED 2018
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia
Vintage: 2018
Score: 92
Plenty of fresh mulberries, red plums and cherries here with cocoa powder and light, earthy notes, too. Plush, smoothly delivered red fruit on the palate with some gently spicy nuances and a succulent, bold finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.