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Shiraz Block 6
On the 26th of May 1891 Herbert and Frederick Kay ordered 30,000 Shiraz vine cuttings from Thomas Hardy. The planting of Block 6 commenced on the 18th of July 1892 and when finished 5,890 Shiraz vines had been placed in the fertile soil at Kay's Amery Vineyard. Of the original 12 acres only 4 remain today. The present 4 acres comprise a corner of red loam, some rather heavy clay in the middle of the block and gravelly alluvial soils on the lower side. Rows run North-South and the vines were originally pruned to bush vines.
2001 sold out
"The 2001 Shiraz Block 6 Amery Vineyard is built along the lines of the 1998. With 14.8% alcohol, and huge levels of tannin balanced by a wealth of blackberry and cherry fruit intertwined with sweet notes of compost, smoke, camphor, and earth, this massively full-bodied, dense, opaque purple-colored effort is Shiraz at its most concentrated. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Patience!" 96-98 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #143

Shiraz Hillside
The new Hillside vineyard had its beginnings in 1992 when cuttings taken from the 100 year old gnarled vines of Block 6 were planted on the eastern hillside of the Amery Vineyard. Further plantings of the Block 6 clone took place in 1993, 1997, 1998 and 1999. These plantings have been an outstanding success consistently producing superb quality grapes. Aged for over 2 years in American oak barriques before bottling.
2001 sold out
"The opaque purple-colored 2001 Shiraz Amery Vineyard Hillside (1,000 cases) possesses low acidity as well as extraordinary dense, chewy notes of blackberries, blueberries, melted licorice, creosote, smoke, and earth, Although it is not yet revealing many nuances, it is spectacularly concentrated, with fabulous flavor extraction and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. This monster should rival the 1998. It will be released in fall, 2003." 93-95 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #143

Merlot Amery
Merlot is proving to be an excellent variety well suited to McLaren Vale and we are very impressed with the overall quality of the wines. Colin Kay 's Merlots are big powerful fruit driven wines with 18 month new American oak barrique maturation, ideal for further cellaring.
1999 $36.99 limited
900 cases made "As longtime readers will know, it is not easy to find high quality, New World Merlot, especially from Australia, but this 1999 Merlot (100% Merlot aged in old oak) is a serious, opaque ruby/purple colored effort offering copious quantities of sweet and sour cherry characteristics mixed with hints of fudge, sausage and loamy soil notes. Medium to full bodied, ripe and fleshy, it is best consumed over the next 7-8 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Cabernet Sauvignon Amery
Since 1997 the Cabernet has been vintaged from a combination of Kay's own 1994 planted "Block 22" fruit and selected premium grapes from the oldest grape growing family in McLaren Vale, the Oliver's Taranga vineyard which was established in 1841.
1999 $36.99 limited
900 cases made "The outstanding 1999 cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet sauvignon aged primarily in old oak) is a formidably concentrated, highly extracted, opaque ruby/purple colored effort revealing notes of cassis, leather, earth and spice. With a sweet attack as well as mid palate and a long, powerful, moderately tannic finish, it will be at its finest between 2004-2014." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Shiraz Amery
An excellent example of Colin Kay's winemaking philosophy - "I'm looking for wines that are fruit-driven - it's a matter of using oak to enhance the fruit and help you, but not to dominate ever." After fermentation in the original open fermenters and basket pressing, this wine was matured in American oak barriques (each approx.225 litre capacity) for 18 months prior to bottling.
1999 $36.99 limited
850 cases made ?The 1999 Shiraz, aged 18 months in American oak casks, was produced from yields of 1.5-2.5 tons of fruit per acre. It possesses a dense ruby/purple color, a velvety texture, and a sweet perfume of pepper, blackberries, tapenade, and earth. Dense, full-bodied, up-front, and accessible, it will drink well for 8-10 years. ? 91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

A Grateful Palate Selection