There’s a movement away from Chardonnay in McLaren Vale and towards varieties that handle warmer conditions more effectively. And that’s as it should be. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to the rule and Chapel Hill have always been one of them. This year sees the Gorge Block Chardonnay upgraded to “The Chosen” series. It has the pedigree to suggest that’s a deserved honour. Oh, and the label looks prettier now too. Should help it sell.
As always it has a lemony drive with the more exuberent peach and fig characters hanging nicely off a good line of acid. Spicy oak is very well matched to the fruit and battonage adds extra textural appeal and savoury bread-like notes. It takes a bit of air for it to stretch its legs but once it does there’s persistence and just a little traction on the finish. Should handle a few years in the bottle quite capably I’d suggest. Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: August 2012