McLaren Vale 14.0% Screwcap $22 Source: Sample
I think il Vescovo is Italian for ‘Bishop’. This Sangiovese demonstrates some quality winemaking from Bryn Richards, who works alongside Michael Fragos at Chapel Hill. It manages to be very true to its region whilst retaining varietal expression. The 2009 has an impressive new label too.
It smells of cherries & pips, violets & lavender and fried bacon fat. Dark choc/orange aromas, bay leaf and dried herbs chip in too. The palate introduces some darker fruits and sweeter blueberry notes. Acid and tannin work together here to provide a serious quality to the wine structurally.
There’s tangy edges to richer McLaren Vale fruit flavours and it all flows very well. A bit of meaty, earthen action doesn’t go astray at this price point either. Chewy tannin is always pleasing to me when it comes to Sangiovese but there is a slight touch of tinniness here. A minor distraction really. It’s a good Australian Sangi at the right price.
Winery Website- http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/