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Kay Brothers
Australia
A highly praised Australian winery passed down to future generations to continue in the family winemaking tradition
Established in 1890, Kay Brothers is not only the oldest family-owned winery in McLaren Vale, Australia, but it is also one of the most honored wineries, known for crafting some of the finest Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in the country. For over 125 years, the Kay family has successfully grown their namesake winery and estate Amery Vineyard, and today, they are celebrated for their incredible history and long-standing reputation for excellence in traditional winemaking.
The Amery Vineyard property was originally purchased by brothers Herbert and Frederick Kay in October of 1890. Within a few months, they had started planting the land to Shiraz, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fascinatingly, the brothers kept a diary of their progress that not only detailed vintage records and weather information, but also included a host of day-to-day insights into the tremendous physical effort people put into working and living in those early days (the diary has now been kept for every year that the Kay Family has been at Amery, and it can be viewed at the winery’s Tasting Room in McLaren Vale).
In the first seven years, the Kay brothers had planted over ninety acres of vines, built a winery, and produced their first 9,100 liters of wine – which was quite an achievement for such a short span of time, especially considering the amount of physical labor that was required. Herbert and Frederick were thriving with their new business and became well known for their dry red blends. Over the years, various advancements were made to the winery and vineyard as it was passed down to future generations of the Kay family. Today, the third and fourth generations (Herbert’s grandsons Colin and Bill, granddaughter Alice, and great-granddaughter Elspeth) continue in the family winemaking tradition. The family’s winemaking philosophy has remained the same since the beginning – to make rich, full-bodied, fruit-driven wines. In fact, the original fermenters and basket press are still used to ensure that authentic quality.
The Kay Brothers wines consistently receive high praise by the wine media around the world. They are a “Five Star” winery, as named by wine authority James Halliday, and nearly every one of their wines, in every vintage, has received a 90+ rating from Robert Parker.
Featuring a wine from Kay Brothers is a rare opportunity – especially one of this caliber. Enjoy!
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