The 2006 Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz is a monumental and fully mature expression of ancient-vine Barossa Valley Shiraz, produced from dry-grown vines planted in 1893. Crafted by Kaesler Wines, Old Bastard stands among Australia’s most powerful and collectible Shiraz wines, celebrated for its extraordinary concentration, depth, and longevity.
The 2006 vintage in the Barossa Valley delivered intensely ripe fruit with exceptional richness and structure, perfectly suited to the tiny yields of the Old Bastard vineyard. These ancient bush vines naturally produce fruit of immense concentration, resulting in a wine built for decades of evolution.
In the winery, fruit was fermented in small batches with extended maceration to maximise depth, texture, and tannin structure. Maturation in premium French oak barrels, including a high proportion of new oak, added layers of spice, mocha, and integration while supporting the wine’s immense fruit power.
Now with significant bottle age, the wine displays a deeply evolved and complex bouquet of blackberry compote, dark plum, fig, and black cherry, layered with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, leather, liquorice, cedar, and exotic spice. The palate is full-bodied and opulent, with dense fruit concentration softened by maturity, velvety resolved tannins, and remarkable persistence through the finish.
Despite its richness, the wine retains impressive balance and structural integrity, highlighting the ageing pedigree of both the vineyard and the vintage. Drinking beautifully now with extended decanting, well-stored bottles may continue to evolve gracefully for many more years.
A rare and iconic old-vine Barossa Shiraz for collectors seeking power, maturity, and historic vineyard pedigree.
