Rightly or wrongly, I tend to think of Michael Fragos and Chapel Hill as the reason McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is beginning to get the respect it deserves. The 2005 release was a formidable achievement which was drinking beautifully earlier this year but had many years ahead of it as well. It picked up the the Warren Winiarski Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon in Show at the esteemed 2008 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. Not bad for a wine from a region often considered to be all about Shiraz.
The 2007 sees Chapel Hill’s run with the variety continuing strongly. The structure is flawless, the depth entrancing. Blue & Black berries, coffee and chocolate, ultra fine tannins and superb length. It’s dense without being heavy and it just kept improving over the course of three days. I’d guess it will have a bit of time ahead of it, but there is much pleasure to be had already. Give a good decant though to explore its charms fully. Varietal, regional & special.
Winery Website- http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/