2007 Shiraz The Bogan

Showing the most wood of the lineup, but also the most depth and structure, the 2007 Kaesler Shiraz The Bogan, from crazy old vines planted in 1899, was aged for 17 months in 80% new, toasted American oak, and the rest in older French oak. Yielding expressive, layered aromatics of smoky black currant, road tar, licorice, spice, and touches of flowers on the nose, the wine fleshes out over the evening, absorbing more of the oak and picking up additional spice, meat, and floral overtones. Medium to full bodied on the palate, with a concentrated, full mid-palate, a superb texture, and a chewy, structured finish, this needs 3-5 years to be at its best and should have 12-15 years of prime drinking. If drinking anytime soon, decant!

Glass-staining purple. Powerful, seductive nose offers scents of dark berry preserves, potpourri, incense and allspice. Velvety, fleshy and suave, with a compellingly smooth texture and impressive concentration without any impression of excess weight. Boasts excellent vivacity for such a rich wine. Finishes with subtle tannins and lingering notes of spice and candied flowers. These vines were reportedly planted in 1899.

The 2007 Shiraz The Bogan is 100% bush vine Shiraz planted in 1899. Aromas of lavender, Asian spices, underbrush, bacon, game, and blueberry lead to a ripe, full-bodied, succulent Shiraz in need of a bit more depth. It is a solid effort lacking the richness and concentration of the top vintages. The 2007 vintage was a challenging one in Barossa Valley. Kaesler’s current collection is first class but not quite up to what they achieved in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Importer: Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376