2012 Brick Kiln Shiraz

When Brick Kiln was purchased by the present owners in 2001, they were going to call their wine "Nine Gums Shiraz" in reference to nine trees on the homestead, but their North American partners advised that if they were to try to export the wine to the USA, the name would suggest "dentures" to an American audience. An old brick kiln bridge had been built near the approach towards the vineyard. The partners thought "Brick Kiln Bridge" a bit clumsy, but "Brick Kiln" quite appealing. Easy! The first Brick Kiln Shiraz was from the 2002 vintage. Production continues to be a tiny 1800 cases per year from a 20 acre site situated at Willunga in the southern reaches of McLaren Vale. Maturation is predominantly in American oak hogsheads for 18 months.

Spectacular totally impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black hue. The nose offers up intense aromatics of liquorice, dark chocolate and ripe blackberries followed by some dark plums, vanillin oak and spice. Full and rich the palate possesses a round opulent texture that’s counterpointed by good acid/tannin balance. Mouthfilling flavours of liquorice, blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate flood the palate over a background of spicy vanillin cedar. Excellent depth, finishing with velvet smooth tannins and a long persistent aftertaste of liquorice, blackberries, black cherries, chocolatey oak and subtle spicy vanilla.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 14.8%