2002 Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards Hillside Shiraz

The Hillside Shiraz is produced from vines propagated from the original Kays Block 6 Vineyard and in spite of the fact that the cuttings are virtually a ‘vegetative photo copy’ of the original vines, the Block 6 and Hillside wines are quite different, yet similar. The difference would be in part attributable to the age of the vines together with differences in terroir (no matter how close to the original block they are planted). Minor differences in soil minerality and moisture stress would contribute to a different flavour profile.

Opaque black crimson colour with deep brick red crimson hue. The nose is delightful, with perfumed sniff of dark chocolate, violet, ripe plum, spice, vanilla and white pepper. The full degree of complexity is yet to be developed on the palate and this will happen over the next few years. Flavours of dark chocolate, mocca, blackpepper and spice fill the palate. Fine dry tannin structure, followed by a very long aftertaste of dark chocolate, coffee, mocca, blackpepper and liquorice. STELVIN CAP.
Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008)
Alc/Vol 15.0%

Robert Parker’s Review
A glorious example of South Australian Shiraz is the 2002 Shriaz Hillside. Made from relatively young vines (8-34 years of age), this flamboyant, pleasant 2002 is impossible to resist. Already rocking and rolling, it has 10-15 years of aging potential. A deep plum/ruby/purple hue is followed by glorious aromas of black fruits, flowers, dusty, loamy, truffle-like scents, and a classic combination of pepper and licorice. The wine saturates and palate with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol (15%). The finish is opulent and multilayered.
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 95 points