As exclusive agents for Kaesler in the United Kingdom, we are delighted to present our inaugural release of their stellar “Icons” range, including the latest vintage of their flagship wine, the 2020 Old Bastard Shiraz.
Arguably one of Barossa Valley’s most highly regarded wines, it is complemented by its younger siblings, the 2020 Old Vine Shiraz andthe 2018 Alte Reben Shiraz. Making its debut in the UK this year, Kaesler have also bestowed us with a small parcel of the first (and outstanding) vintage of their single vineyard 2018 Age of Light Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Kaesler family settled in the Barossa Valley in the 1840s and planted their first vines in 1893. To this day, Kaesler wines are made from these ancient, dry grown vineyards. The Old Bastard Shiraz has consistently been rated Outstanding in Langton’s Classification, which comprises the most sought-after Australian fine wines. Sitting comfortably in The Real Review’s Top 100 Wineries 2024, the Kaesler wines continue to garner high praise with each vintage. Indeed, the 2020 Old Vine Shiraz was awarded Gold – ‘Top 10 Best’at the globally renowned Syrah du Monde competition last year.
2020 Kaesler ‘Old Bastard’ Shiraz, Barossa Valley
It’s rare to be able to witness the birth of an “Icon” wine, but arguably as Kaesler have fine-tuned their winemaking and taken Old Bastard to even greater heights, that’s exactly what we are witnessing. Now standing firmly on its own two feet, Old Bastard is the pinnacle of Barossa Valley Shiraz, and is a hedonists dream.
The Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz consistently impresses for its fruit density, textural flow and latent horsepower, and this year it’s no different. Opulent blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit cut with hints of baking spices, dark chocolate, licorice, earth and violet top notes. Pure and beautifully weighted with savoury, gypsum-like tannins, bright acidity and impressive balance of the depth of fruit finishing long, true and distinctly Barossan.
95 points, James Halliday Wine Companion 2024
Price: £550 / 6 bottle case (In Bond)
2020 Kaesler ‘Old Vine’ Shiraz, Barossa Valley
The younger brother of the Old Bastard Shiraz, the old vine vineyard was planted in 1961 with cuttings from the Old Bastard 1893 vines. Bang for buck this is one of the best value wines that we (Jeroboams) sells.
Deep crimson with aromas of super-ripe blackberry, blood plum and black cherry fruits. Densely packed with hints of baking spices, licorice and dark chocolate, a dark earthy resonance, some roasting meats and graphite for good measure. Full bodied and intense, a surging tide of black berry fruits, spice and dark chocolate on the palate; some oak-derived wood spice, tight, fine tannin grip and a serious, broody finish.
95 points, James Halliday Wine Companion 2024
Price: £155 / 6 bottle case (In Bond)
2018 Kaesler ‘Alte Reben’ Shiraz, Barossa Valley
Alte Reben, German for ‘Old Vine’, is a single vineyard Shiraz sourced from the Kaesler estate in Marananga, planted in 1899. The ancient soils here lend mineral, ferrous elements to the palate, and the 2018 is stunningly good and highlights the quality of the vintage.
Price: £295 / 6 bottle case (In Bond)
2018 Kaesler ‘Age of Light’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley
The newest addition to the Kaesler Icon Collection, launching with the 2018 vintage; one of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon vintages the Barossa has seen.
This has a very attractive nose with tobacco, violet, cedar, blackcurrant, blueberry and dark plum, as well as some light chocolate and iodine. The palate has a very succulent, lithe and juicy feel with classically refined cabernet tannins and a long, succulent and juicy finish. Very composed cabernet sauvignon.
96 points, James Suckling
Price: £370 / 6 bottle case (In Bond)
Wines to ship Autumn 2024.