Product Details

Description

The 2018 Kaesler ‘Reach for the Sky’ Shiraz boasts a deep colour and a vibrant nose filled with blueberry and blackberry notes, layered with mocha and spice. The silky palate is rich with flavours of plums and berries, complemented by hints of fruit cake and ripe, supple tannins. This wine offers an intense and satisfying experience, showcasing the character and depth typical of premium old vine Shiraz.

History and Winemaking

The first Kaesler vineyards were planted by Silesian pioneers who came to the Barossa Valley in the 1840s, taking up 96 acres in 1891. They focused on Rhône varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro (Mourvedre), planted as bush vines. The Kaesler family took charge of these vines in 1893, adding more Grenache in the 1930s and additional Shiraz in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1999, renowned agribusiness entrepreneur Ed Peter and established winemaker Reid Bosward seized the opportunity to purchase this historic property. They immediately set about regenerating the famous old vines, with over 70% of the red wine vines now having an average age of 40 years or more. This premium old vine material produces intense styles of Shiraz, such as the “Old Bastard,” named for the difficulty of maintaining these characterful vines.

The 2018 ‘Reach for the Sky’ Shiraz is sourced from a single block of Kaesler’s Marananga vineyard, planted with cuttings from the renowned ‘Old Bastard’ and ‘Alte Reben’ vines. Tim Dolan, who joined from Peter Lehmann in 2022, oversees the winemaking. Tim, a third-generation Barossa winemaker, and vineyard manager Nigel van der Zande are passionate about regenerative farming. Kaesler has a partnership with ‘Trees for Life,’ which saw up to four hectares of saline land revegetated with native plants to reduce further soil degradation.

Shiraz

This Shiraz stands out for its deep colour and vibrant, complex nose. The blueberry and blackberry aromas are complemented by layers of mocha and spice. The silky palate reveals rich plums and berries, hints of fruit cake, and ripe, supple tannins. The wine’s depth and character reflect the premium old vine material used in its production.

Food Pairings

Pair the ‘Reach for the Sky’ Shiraz with steak or lamb dishes, hearty stews, or rich dishes. Its bold and fruity flavours and supple tannins make it a perfect companion for robust foods. It is also a great wine to pair with cheeses. We love this wine with truffle infused cheeses, mature camembert or spicy gorgonzola picante.

Extra Information

Producer: Kaesler
Sub-Region: Barossa Valley
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Grape Variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2018
Colour: Red
ABV: 14.50%
Style: Full , Dry, Oaked