Wines By Kay Brothers

The Kay Brothers property is planted to vines which can be traced back to the original Hardy site at Tintara. The relatively small, family operated estate can boast an enviable record at wine shows in Australia and around the world. Basket pressing by hand through an ancient device originally designed to process small amounts is one of the most arduous tasks, yet it can produce the finest wines. Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Shiraz achieves a remarkably sweet and complex palate for a wine of solid structure without the extraction of any superfluous tannins.

$2499each

$297DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

The warm temperate climes, cool moist winters, warm dry summers and proximity to the sea ensures that frost, which is a debilitating agent in many viticultural areas, is virtually unknown. The Kay Brothers vineyard receives a rainfall of approximately 550mm year and excellent vines are grown on a wide range of soils, the predominant being ironstone gravel. The estate cellar door, which is part of the original winery complex, boasts some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque valleys and hillsides. Shiraz grapes were processed utilising open fermentation and basket pressing. Following vinification the wine was treated to over twenty months maturation in American oak casks. Alcohol 15.5%

Medium purple hue. Lifted nose of rich blackberries, tobacco leaf and smokey bacon fat. This medium to full bodied palate is upfront, rich and round in structure. Ripe mulberry and blackberry flavours predominate with hints of cassis and dark, bitter chocolate. The tannins are ripe, furry, yet supple. There is a warmth to the delicious, lingering finish. Drinks magnificently as a youngster, has the potential to age for the best part of a decade.

Currently out of stock

Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards Shiraz 2006

McLaren Vale

The Heritage listed Kay Brothers Amery celebrated its first grape crush in 1895 and is the oldest McLaren Vale winery still in founding family hands. The precious vineyards are planted exclusively to cuttings from the original 1892 Block 6 Shiraz site. The Block 6 clone, from which all Kay Brothers Amery Shiraz vines are derived, is unique in that it consistently provides fruit that makes superior, long lived wines. A fully approachable Shiraz with massive concentration of fruit, by a cult winery which continues to deliver world class wine.

$2599each

$309DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

Bordering St. Vincents Gulf, Amery Vineyards grace the rolling foothills of the Southern Mt. Lofty Ranges. Amery Shiraz is a gutsy, entry level Kay Brothers wine of pedigree and lineage, for those who love big, full bodied, fruit driven, tooth staining McLaren Vale reds. What a pleasure it is for the team to handle fruit of this quality, the grapes are just so winemaker friendly. Vinified to a combination of ancient old world techniques including open fermentation and passage through an eighty year old basket press, a gentle and highly traditional process which achieves a rich, soft palate. The finished wine was placed in American oak barriques to develop complexity over the next year and a half. Alcohol 15.5%

Colour is a deep ruby red. A nose of dark cherry, blackberry, mint, white pepper, vanilla bean and caraway seed. Round and generous fleshy fruit, rich with plums, blackberry and mulberries, cedar, spices and truffle. A balanced, tight acidity together with soft integrated tannins shows good complexity and palate persistence. A wine of rich silken fruit, soft layered persistent tannins, finely pitched acidity and subtle vanillin oak influence, decanting for at least an hour is recommended.

Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Shiraz 2010

McLaren Vale

Everything made at the Kay Brother wineworks gets a passage through the estate's famous eighty year old basket press, a gentle treatment which achieves exquisite palate softness. The unique expression of vintage is preserved each year by a delicate balance in the mix of new and prior use oak barrels. One of McLaren Vale's first vineyards, the Amery property was initially sewn to seven acres of vine in the 1860s. The brothers Kay acquired the land in 1891, introducing plantings from Hardy's Tintara, four acres of which remain productive to this day.

$2199each

$261DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

The winemaking practices at Kay Brothers have remained largely unchanged since establishment in the nineteenth century. An ancient basket press, painted bright red in colour, takes pride of place. Arriving somewhat late in the history of Amery Vineyards, the earliest vintages were passed through a hand crusher and then by a horse which traversed round a capstan. A collation of Shiraz parcels are harvested off Kay Brother's estate, much of it very old vine material. Fruit is vinified in good old fashioned open fermenters and transferred via traditional basket press into a selection of new and seasoned American and European oak barrels for eighteen months maturation.

Dark purple in colour. Rich plum and roast beetroot, blackberries and tobacco leaf dominate the nose with savoury dried spices adding complexity. Medium to full bodied, the lively fruits continue on the palate with briary berries upfront and fuller flavours of roast gravy on the finish. Supported by a tight acidity and grainy tannins, all underscored by a hint of wood smoke that sees the palate finishing focused and long.

Currently out of stock

Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz 1993

McLaren Vale

The planting of Block 6 commenced in 1892, upon completion some six thousand vines grew on the fertile soils of Kay's Amery. Of the original twelve acres only four remain today, approximately 2,000 vines. Up to vintage 1987 the dry grown bush vines were spread out rather haphazardly, pumpkin patch style. About 80% are original plantings, replacements have been made by layering from adjacent vines. The layering procedure has been used at Amery Vineyards since the 1890s, a slow but sure way of replacing a missing plant among the vines.

$14999each

$1797DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

Made from old vines Shiraz cropped at one or two tons of fruit per acre, vinified in a collection of ancient open top fermenters.

A saturated colour of plum and purple. Sweet, sweet nose of blackberry fruit intermixed with American oak, tar, and saddle leather. A plush, concentrated Shiraz, the bouquet sings of spicey leather, chocolate and briars, thick smokey aromas of raspberry and plum. Sweet with it's vanilla mocha oak, it continues to give out fruit, tannins are sumptuous and tasty, velvety smooth, intense dark fruits, almost excessively flavoured, true vinous elegance and tightness. Lifted by it's complexities of violets and plum, the palate continues to devcelop with florid nuances and hints of marzipan. Really a complex wine, it possesses sensational tones and texture, well-integrated acidity and tannin and a long, supple finish.

Currently out of stock

Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz 1998

McLaren Vale

Aggressive toasty oak in the nose, no doubt that is going to be completely absorbed in another 3-5 years of cellaring, given the wine's mammoth concentration and extravagant richness. The wine has a black/purple color and an extraordinarily sweet nose of black fruits intermixed with spice box, licorice, and a touch of pepper. A monster wine on the palate, and still uncivilized and too young to actually enjoy drinking, this wine should be at its peak by 2006 and keep for up to 2020 or so. A great vintage for Block 6 Shiraz.

$12999each

$1557DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

In 1891 Herbert and Frederick Kay planted 30,000 Shiraz vine cuttings, originating from the Thomas Hardys McLaren Vale Tintara Vineyard. Tintara was planted in the 1850s by Dr A.C. Kelly who probably obtained the vine cuttings from his Trinity Vineyard at Morphett Vale. Dr Kelly drew his original planting material from the Busby collection, from sources in Europe, and quite likely from other local viticulturalists about 1842.


Full of regional aromatics, spicy, fine and caramel-like, prunes, confection and sweet raspberries in punnet. The fruit is plump and chunky, muskyness and earth, violets and cassis. An incredibly powerful palate, like teak and tar, concentrated and dark, plums and prune supported by ground coffee and chocolate, turkish delight and mocha oak.

Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz 2010

McLaren Vale

In 1891 Herbert and Frederick Kay ordered 30,000 cuttings of Shiraz from the Thomas Hardy Tintara Vineyard. The original plantings were dry grown and pruned to bush vines, some very elongated arms of the ancient stock presented something of a tangled mess, the block was fondly referred to as pumpkin patch. Today, Kay Brothers have returned to the precious Block 6 and take aim at the classic Australian Shiraz, rich, full flavoured and fruit driven, fashioned from the fuit of vines endowed by the most distinguished Aussie heritage.

$6499each

$777DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

Block 6 has been redeveloped and nurtured back to health. The present four acres comprise a corner of red loam, some rather heavy clay in the middle and gravelly alluvial soils on the lower side. After some rufurbishments, drip irrigation was installed and water is now used to maintain vine health and optimise fruit quality. The grapes are selectively hand picked before being treated to an antique 1930s basket press. The must is macerated for up to ten days and the fermenting cap is submerged with head boards. Upon completion of ferments and passage through an ancient basket press, Block 6 Shiraz is matured in a selection of European and American oak casks for eighteen months or more prior to bottling.

Deep cherry black/ purple in colour. Sweet fruit perfume of black cherries and blackberry, white pepper and spice over subtle toasty oak. A rich and round, soft and voluptuous, fruit driven Shiraz with a hint of confectionery sweetness in the background. A very approachable full bodied combination of blueberries and plum, ribena and mocha chocolate, spice box, vanilla and pepper fill the palate with pleasurable flavours. The balanced soft tannin finish shows length and persistence.

Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 2009

McLaren Vale

A vineyard of great historical import, Hillside was initially planted in 1892 with stock acquired from the Thomas Hardy Wine Company. A redevelopment of the eastern slope commenced on the centenary, transferring cuttings across from the hundred year old Block 6. Hillside Shiraz is treated to a traditional, open fermentation and manual press.

$3699each

$441DOZEN

EACH

DOZEN

The Kay Brothers McLaren Vale Amery Vineyards grace the rolling foothills of southern Mt.Lofty Ranges. Established in 1890 by Herbert and Frederick Kay, the heritage listed Kays Amery wineworks celebrated their first crush in 1895 and are the oldest McLaren Vale winery still in founding family hands. The view from the homestead, over the sprawling vineyards towards Tintara is breathtaking, the valley and hillsides are literally covered in vines. Grapes are picked during the cool of early morning, traditionally vinified in open fermenters and treated to a good old fashioned basket press. The finished wine is matured two years in a selection of seasoned and new, large format American and Eastern European oak.


Deep inky purple colour. Initially the nose is dominated by bright rich black mulberries, satsuma plum and dark chocolate. A swirl of the glass reveals cinnamon, white pepper and a trace of mint. The weight and power from the rich primary fruit has been carefully balanced by subtle use of large format oak. Decanting is essential.

Bordering St. Vincents Gulf, 40 kms south of Adelaide, Amery Vineyards grace the rolling foothills of the Southern Mt. Lofty Ranges

In the early 1850's Richard Baker Aldersey bought several sections of land 6 kms north of McLaren Vale in a hilly area near Hope Farm (Seaview). He built a fine ironstone house and named the property Amery, after his birthplace Amery Farm near Alton, in Hampshire, England. The land was partly cleared until Amery was acquired by William Hammond junior, whose father owned the adjacent Hambledon Farm where he settled after quitting his sugar plantation in Jamaica. In 1886 young William Hammond planted out the original seven acres of vineyard at Amery, but for the main part he ran the 339 acre property as a farm, raising cattle and sheep, cereal crops, soft fruits and vegetables. In 1890 the Amery property was bought by the Kay Brothers, Herbert and Frederick, and they finally came into possession on February 2nd 1891.

Five months later Bert and Fred carted in vine cuttings from Tintara; 25,800 Shiraz, 5,000 Riesling, 10,000 Carbenet, and began planting the fallow paddocks. There is a meticulously kept diary for every year that the Kay Family has been at Amery. They give not only detailed vintage records and weather information, but also a host of day-to-day insights into the tremendous physical effort people put into working and living in those early days.


On Friday 15th July 1892 they recorded: "W.H. Craven offered to supply Carbenet and Malbec cuttings at 10/- per thousand." Tuesday 19th July "T. Hardy called - agreed to buy 900 white Hermitage vines from him." Wednesday 20th July - "Ordered from W.H. Craven at 7/- per thousand 14,500 Carbenet and 13,000 Malbec cuttings. J.G. Kelly called, agreed to take 3,000 Riesling cuttings." Monday 25th July - "Planted 457 White Hermitage on hilltop". Thursday 28th July - "T. Hardy sent up 90 White Hermitage vines (2 years old)." The first grape crush came in 1895. Today, the Heritage Listed Kay Brorthers Amery is the oldest McLaren Vale winery still in founding family hands. The Rieslings were the first true varietal wines grown to the area and some of the older traditional winemakers in the district were prophetic of failure. Time has happily proved to the contrary and today outstanding Riesling wines are still being made in McLaren Vale. The Riesling recorded in the 1891 diary were in fact, mainly the variety we now know as Chenin Blanc. The warm temperate climes, cool moist winters, warm dry summers and proximity to the sea ensures that frost, which is a debilitating agent in many viticultural areas, is virtually unknown. The vineyard receives a rainfall of approximately 550mm year and excellent vines are grown on a wide range of soils, the predominant being ironstone gravel. The estate Cellar Door, which is part of the original Winery complex, boasts some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding picturesque valleys and hillsides.	The Kay Brothers were partners in business for fifty-seven years, which is a remarkable achievement in the Australian winemaking scene. Herbert Kay was made Chairman of the Australian Wine Board in 1933 where he sat for twelve years. Herbert's son Cuthbert (Cud) Kay took over the management and winemaking at Amery. He increased the vineyards, concentrating on more Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Riesling with some smaller areas of Sauvignon Blanc and White Frontignac. In the 1960s changes in the estate's primary UK market and uneconomic prices led to the development of Australian markets. Initially this was in bulk to other winemakers but progressively more and more wine was packaged until eventually all of the output became branded under the Kays Amery Vineyards label.
The Kay Brothers Winery today are specialist traditional red wine makers utilising grapes from their own 22-hectare Amery Vineyard and from the neighbouring Oliver's Taranga. The relatively small, strictly regional estate can boast an enviable record in wine shows around Australia and Internationally. The welcome at Cellar Door is as friendly as the view is seductive, so allow plenty of time during your visit to taste the renowned selection of wines and explore the Kay Family diaries dating from 1891. As Ernest Whitington wrote in 1903 "If any people engaged in the industry deserve success they are the Kay Brothers, who have been at Amery for twelve years. The property is situated on the Vale side of Tintara, and the view from the house is one of the finest in South Australia. Looking towards Tintara the valley and hillsides are literally covered in vines, and at the time of my visit the autumnal tints of the leaves enhanced the beauty of the scene. Encircling behind are wooded hills, and then away in the dreamy distance is a blue haze covered range. Turn around and you are gazing over vines and ploughed land away to the sea. You see Aldinga Bay quite plainly. When I go to Amery and the exquisite landscape, the labour which seems to be one of love, and the contentment that prevails ever recalls one verse from Gray's Elegy!"

WARNING Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years. The penalty exceeds $6,000
It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor. The penalty exceeds $500. Victoria Licence 31952713

Blanc De Blancs Champagne Pinot Chardonnay Premium Sparkling All Rosé Wines Sparkling Red Wines Sweeter Sparkling Dessert & Botrytis Wines Fortified Wines Frontignac Muscats Port Wines Tokay & Muscadelle Bourbon & American Whisky Cognac & Fine Brandy Gins Scotch & Malt Whiskies Liqueur Rums Tequila Vodka Irish & Canadian Whiskey	Exclusively Chardonnay Premium Chardonnay Chardonnay to $20 Italianate Varietal White Riesling Semillon Rhone, Loire & Alsace Varietals Blended Sauvignon Blanc Pure Sauvignon Blancs Top Shelf White Unoaked Whites Arneis Chenin Blanc Crouchen Gewurztraminer Marsanne Pinot Gris & Grigio Riesling Semillon Verdelho White Viognier	Cabernet Franc Pure Cabernet Sauvignon Cellared and Vintage Red Dolcetto Durif Grenache Italianate Varietal Reds Malbec Medoc Blends Exclusively Merlot Mourvedre Old Vines Petit Verdot Pinot Noir Purely Cabernet Merlots Purely Cabernet Shiraz Rhone Varietal Reds Purely Shiraz Exclusively Merlot Shiraz-Viogniers Super Premium Reds Uvas Rojas Españolas	Exclusively Marlborough North Island South Island Reds N.Z Pinot Noir N.Z Sauvignon Blanc All Tasmanian New South Wales Red New South Wales White Pure Hunter Valley Riverina Fruit Pemberton & Great Southern Margaret River Reds Margaret River White Swan River, Perth Hills & Geographe Frankland River, Mt Barker, Great Southern W.A Cabernet W.A Merlot & Cab-Merlots W.A Classic Dry White W.A Shiraz W.A White Wines	Adelaide Hills Reds Adelaide Hills White Barossa Cabernet Purely Barossa Shiraz Barossa Whites Exclusively Barossa Reds Pure Clare Valley White Pure Clare Valley Red Coonawarra Whites Pure Coonawarra Reds Coonawarra Cabernet Eden Valley White Eden Valley Reds Henschke Hill of Grace Langhorne Creek McLaren Vale White Just McLaren Vale Shiraz Exclusively McLaren Reds Padthaway & Wrattonbully Penfolds Grange S.A Cabernet Shiraz Just S.A Chardonnays S.A Old Vine	Alpine & Ovens Valleys Bendigo Geelong, Bellarine, Macedon Grampians, Pyrenees & Great Western Districts Glenrowan, Rutherglen & Beechworth Heathcote King Valley Mornington Strathbogie, Nagambie Lakes & Goulburn Murray Valley Victorian Cabernet Victorian Chardy Victorian Dessert & Fortified Victorian Pinot Victorian Sauv-Blanc Victorian Shiraz Victorian Sparkling Yarra Valley Reds Yarra Valley White
ANZ Wines has no affiliation with Australia New Zealand Bank. ANZ Wines is a customer of ANZ Bank, the involvement is limited to provision of banking services Home \| Shopping Cart \| Checkout \| Conditions & Delivery \| Contact