I tasted a bracket of warm climate Shiraz blind last night, the main reason being that I have some firm ideas about Chapel Hill’s two Scarce Earth offerings and I didn’t want my preconceptions to get in the way of the wines in front of me.
Sweet, mouthfilling McLaren Vale fruit. It’s the second year in a row I’ve written the word “cuddly” in my tasting notes. Mulberry and slightly ferrous redcurrants, plums and licorice strap. Tarry, mocha oak in support. The tannin is grainy and bucolic, roughing up the finish without much finesse. Not a great deal of shape on the front or mid-palate but its generosity will please many. 91 Good – Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $65
Tasted: September 2012