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  • 96

2002 Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$79. 99
Bottle
$959.88 Dozen
Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2011-2016)
ABV: 15.5%
Closure: Cork
A magnificent wine.


Kaesler winemaker Reid Bosward has in the past resisted using American oak in the production of most of their top end reds, preferring to use French oak. However, the outstanding 2002 vintage resulted in wines from the Bogan vineyards of such fruit weight, ripeness and structure that it was decided American oak would have to be used. The wine was matured for 18 months in 100% new Pennsylvanian oak, with a medium to heavy toast and the wine was bottled without fining or filtration. Retasted January 2011:
The colour of this wine is holding up extremely well. Magnificent black crimson with black heart and very deep black crimson hue. Lifted aromas of aniseed, liquorice and vanilla that gain intensity with air time, followed by some dark blackberry and confectionary notes. Monumental palate weight and concentration with opulent flavours of aniseed and liquorice dominate followed by dark blackberry, confectionary and spice. Very fine grained, almost velvet like tannins. Excellent length with long aftertaste of liquorice,
aniseed, vanillin oak and spice.
Superb drinking now or cellar a further 4-5 years (2011-2016)
Alc 15.5%

A big opulent Barossa Shiraz that’s evolving gracefully and still has years of
life ahead of it.


First Tasted Febuary 2004:
Totally opaque, black purple colour, with stain like cling to the glass walls. Superb aroma of vanilla, blackberry, liquorice and spice, with a dark chocolate end note. The palate is explosive, with white and black pepper flavours overlaid with vanilla, dark chocolate, liquorice, ripe plum and toasted oak. Fine, dry tannins. Very long aftertaste of liquorice, toasted oak, black pepper and plum.
Cellar 4-5 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 15.5%
96 Points

Other Reviews...

The 2002 Shiraz The Bogan, which is aged 22 months in American oak before being bottled unfiltered, is a spectacular, classic example of Barossa Shiraz. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a huge bouquet of white flowers, toast, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and creosote. Packed with intensely concentrated black fruits and a spicy complexity, it is the antithesis of elegance. While still an infant in terms of development, it is hard to know for sure, but I suspect it will become more civilized and elegant as it evolves, and should last for 15-20+ years.
RATING: 96 points
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155