2002 Kaesler Shiraz Old Bastard
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Tasting notes
A cooler vintage with very vivid, fresh blackberries and red plums, as well as dry, woody spices, some dry earth and forest wood. The palate has a very focused feel with bright (natural) acidity lacing the tannins in snugly. Blue-fruit flavors hold the finish. Some spices here, too. Sitting fresh. Drink or hold.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The flagship offering, the 2002 Shiraz Old Bastard was fashioned from a vineyard planted in 1896, and was cropped at one ton of fruit per acre. It spent 22 months in French oak before being bottled with neither fining nor filtration. A spectacular perfume of raspberries, plums, blackberries, espresso, vanilla, and charcoal is followed by a tannic Shiraz with a huge palate, massive concentration, tremendous richness, and a multidimensional flavor profile. Less alcoholic (15.2%) than The Bogan, it should be cellared for 4-6 years, and consumed over the following 20-25. While the 2002 is a brilliant effort, it is not quite as massive as the 2001 ... but that’s splitting hairs. Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376
The flagship offering, the 2002 Shiraz Old Bastard was fashioned from a vineyard planted in 1896, and was cropped at one ton of fruit per acre. It spent 22 months in French oak before being bottled with neither fining nor filtration. A spectacular perfume of raspberries, plums, blackberries, espresso, vanilla, and charcoal is followed by a tannic Shiraz with a huge palate, massive concentration, tremendous richness, and a multidimensional flavor profile. Less alcoholic (15.2%) than The Bogan, it should be cellared for 4-6 years, and consumed over the following 20-25. While the 2002 is a brilliant effort, it is not quite as massive as the 2001 ... but that’s splitting hairs. Oct 2004, www.robertparker.com