Cradle of Hills are a relatively new producer hailing from McLaren Vale. I first tasted one of their wines in a blind bracket of nine Grenaches/Grenache blends and it stood out for its composure, stylistic confidence and ferrous, savoury appeal. That wine turned out to be the GMS Route du Bonheur – or ‘Road to Happiness’. Apt. Tracy Smith manages the vineyard according to organic principles and Paul Smith makes the wine. Their emphasis is on sustainability, quality and minimal intervention.
The make-up is 63% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 12% Shiraz. A concentrated but not confected bouquet of raspberry, blueberry and violets with a sour cherry and iron dimension adding further complexity on the palate. Integrated acids work with softly textured tannin to give form to the silky texture. A little French vanilla oak but it knows its place. Nutmeg and pepper spice seal the deal. Lovely to drink now, will become more earthen with a stint in the cellar. A winery to watch for sure. Outstanding value too. Very Good – Excellent
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $25
Tasted: August 2012
Had one of these ’bout 5 weeks ago, no detailed tasting notes taken & was alongside a wirra wirra 2010 woodhenge & 2008 Turkey Flat Butchers Block Red (a SGM). People who preferred a little more ‘grunt’ in their wine went for the woodhenge, but the overwhelming favourite was the Cradle of Hills which certainly does have a lot of finesse compared to many Vale wines (this type of wine making reminds me of Roger Pike of Marius). The Turkey flat had a bit of alcohol warmth and very ripe fruit going on and was a bit clumsy next to the Cradle of Hills.
Jeremy, I hope Paul & Tracy sent you a 2009 SM as well – haven’t opened any of mine yet but feedback from others suggests it’s going to be quite an experience. All sold out but the 2010 SM is scheduled for October release.
As a side note the Shiraz in this wine is from their Estate, the Mourvedre is from the Balnaves vineyard at Willunga, not sure on the Grenache except that’s it’s local.
Yes, they were generous enough to send the 09 Shiraz Mataro…and it’s every bit as good as the GMS. Will review shortly. Thanks for the info on grape sources. Much appreciated.