Released ahead of the 2009 as it is apparently more approachable at the moment. And it is approachable, especially for a flagship Shiraz. It’s a blend of three vineyards chosen specifically for the quality of their fruit and each of those vineyards is once again listed on the back label. A fitting tribute to a wine that is certainly not ‘over-made’.
Back to flagship Shiraz(es). The Australian tradition, particularly in warmer climates, is generally to up the alcohol, add more wood, extract the hell out of the fruit and create a blockbuster that needs ten to twenty years for its component parts to come into enough balance to be enjoyable. And sometimes that inherent balance isn’t even there as a young wine anyway. Chapel Hill have bucked the trend here. More power to them.
The 2010 The Vicar is a wine that is sensitively made to showcase some outstanding grapes. It’s not a blockbuster. In fact it’s not even really that big. The ‘wow factor’ comes from harmony and elegance without a corresponding loss of intensity. It flows with purpose through the palate, never dull or heavy.
Descriptors? Black and blue fruits, mulberry and pepper. A fresh plum baseline and some brown spice. It’s layered for sure…or maybe woven is a better word. The season has left its mark with fine acidity and tannin to match. That acid guides the flavours through an unbroken line to an extensive finish.
A wonderfully composed ode to a classic vintage. I wish more flagships were made in this style. Excellent – Exceptional
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $75
Tasted: April 2012
Takes confidence to make a wine like this. Your thoughts on elegant flagships mirror mine on bin 620. Not so much on the Laird.
Confidence and even some courage I suspect. It’s hard for me to comment on the Bin 620 as I’ve only heard the opinion of one person who has actually tried the wine. I’m not much of a Torbreck man but the Laird has at least received positive reviews from a number of palates that I highly respect.
Cheers
J
Shiraz grapes from Inkwell california road vineyard form the backbone of this wine, Dudley Brown has just released the 2010 Inkwell Shiraz to his mailing list and more widely in approx 2 weeks, should be a great wine as well … grab one if you can Jeremy.
Like your review of the Vicar, never tried one … might have to venture there. Interesting move to release it before the 09 which was a tough year, in fact there was no Inkwell made in 2009, although obviously some bundles that were OK went into the 09 Vicar. I have some of James Hooks 09 Shiraz which also contains Inkwell grapes, tried one and decided that it needs a 5 year sleep, perhaps Michael Fragos is thinking similar thoughts about the 09 Vicar. Can’t imagine too many people who ‘know’ wanting to buy any 09 when they can get the 10 now. The decision to release the 10 before the 09 might cause a few headaches down the track. Maybe they intend holding the entire vintage for a museum release … I’m puzzled?
I’ve only experienced Inkwell Shiraz via The Vicar but I’d certainly be keen to taste their interpretation of their grapes.
As far as releasing the 2010 before the 2009, I think – with the limited knowledge I have, and having not tasted the 09 – that it’s best for me to state the reasons given in the press release and leave it at that.
Cheers
J
Hi J
I had an 08 The Vicar a few months ago and really loved it. Tons of concentrated black/dark berries/fruits. But the price is a factor for me…
Yes, the 08 is a lovely, richly flavoured and layered wine. All In balance too so it should age well. The 2010 is a vastly different creature…but it should age beautifully as well.
I know what you mean about the price but in many ways, that’s just the nature of flagships and wine as a luxury commodity. Put it this way – if you have any emotional connection to the 2008 or especially the 2010 then I’d argue that the expenditure is justifiable. I’ll certainly be popping a couple of ’10s in the cellar myself.
Cheers
J