advocate rating

RATING SYSTEM
Robert Parkers rating system employs a 50 - 100 point quality scale. It is my belief that the various twenty (20) point rating systems do not provide enough flexibility and often result in a compressed and inflated wine ratings. THE WINE ADVOCATE takes a hard, very critical look at wine, since I would prefer to underestimate the wine's quality than overestimate it. The numerical ratings are utilized only to enhance and complement the thorough tasting notes, which are my primary means of communicating my judgments to you.

96 - 100 ~~~~~~	An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of it's variety. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase and consume.
90 - 95	An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines.
80 - 89	A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavour as well as character with no noticeable flaws.
70 - 79	An average wine with little distinction except that it is soundly made. In essence, a straightforward, innocuous wine.
60 - 69	A below average wine containing noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity and/or tannin, an absence of flavour, or possibly dirty aromas or flavours.
50 - 59	A wine deemed to be unacceptable.

ISSUE 161 - THE WINE ADVOCATE
TASTING NOTES AND RATINGS

KAY BROTHERS 2003 CABERNET SAUVIGNON AMERY VYDS.     McLAREN VALE   (US$30.00)             RED     (90)
KAY BROTHERS 2003 SHIRAZ AMERY VINEYARD              McLAREN VALE   (US$30.00)             RED     (92)
KAY BROTHERS 2003 SHIRAZ BLOCK 6                     McLAREN VALE   (US$90.00)             RED     (95)
KAY BROTHERS 2003 SHIRAZ HILLSIDE                    McLAREN VALE   (US$45.00)             RED     (92)

One of Australia's most traditional winemakers, Colin Kay fashions old style, high quality, distinctive Australian reds. The spicy, earthy, tobacco, cherry, and currant scented 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is borderline rustic, but spicy, big, chewy, and attractive. It is by no means from the refined school of winemaking, but it possesses so much personality and soul, it is hard not to give it a high rating. With plenty of power and tannin, it will be a flavorful, mouth filling Cabernet to enjoy over the next 10 - 12 years.
The dark ruby/purple colored 2003 Shiraz exhibits dusty, earthy, truffle like aromas interwoven with notes of licorice, blackberries, charred wood, and hints of underbrush and forest floor. Medium to full bodied with moderately high tannin, good spice, and hefty alcohol, it should drink well for a decade.
More tarry, chewy, and fleshy, the 2003 Shiraz Hillside has a bit more punch (15% alcohol) as well as a sappy character that is not present in the regular bottling. It is a broad, savory, expansively flavored, full bodied Shiraz to enjoy over the next decade.
As for the flagship wine, the 2003 Shiraz Block 6 (from 113 year old vines) is a full throttle, traditionally made Australian Shiraz boasting a dense plum/garnet/purple color in addition to a bouquet of creosote, sweet black cherries, cassis, forest floor, underbrush, and pepper. With great depth, full bodied, powerful, concentrated flavors, high tannin, and a blockbuster finish, this distinctive Shiraz should drink well for 10 - 15 years. Importer Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283