2014 Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz

Impenetrable black as night core with a deep dark red black hue. Somewhat subdued nose with closed aromas of dark plum, liquorice, vanillin cedar, earthy leather and spicy dried cloves slowly evolving. Rich, juicy and powerful the palate is filled with blackberry, dark plum and liquorice flavours overlaid by some light dried clove characters. An undercarriage of toasty vanillin cedar, scorched earth and spicy pepper follows on. The supple mid palate firming up on the finish, supported by robust yet well concealed tannins. Long aftertaste of ripe blackberries, dark plum, liquorice, subtle dried clove, smoky vanillin cedar and spicy pepper.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…
Hailing from plantings dating from 1893, this wine struts with a largesse and swagger of one comfortable in its skin. Opaque and foreboding at first sight, the wine is aromatically reticent. At least at the beginning. In time the monster bares a carnal soul, chockas with dark fruits of every description, cardamom and barbecued meats. Iodine sluices across the corpulent palate, licking it with a saline touch. Oak kicks in as the guardian for a long future. Spice provides punctuation. One for the boardroom. Drink by 2032.
95 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Wine Companion