Meerea Park’s 2010 Hell Hole Shiraz is brought to you by the Lindeman’s owned Ben Ean Vineyard. It incorporates stems (30%) but it’s not a stalky wine – just highly perfumed.
An expressive nose of boysenberry, blackberry and raspberry, earthen spice, purple florals and a hint of vanilla cola. Extremely classy oak lends a sheen to proceedings but it’s not over-played. It does contribute to the mouthfeel as well as adding extra layers and depth yet the gorgeous fruit is still front and centre. Tannins are fine-grained and tight, extending the pleasure on the back-palate. There’s power here but it’s wonderfully harnessed. Terrific wine. Should age a treat if you can keep your mitts off it now. 94+ Excellent
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $60
Tasted: December 2012
Agree. Really good stuff. Have you tried the 2011 MP Alexander Munro Chardonnay 2011? I’ve been a bit perplexed by it (again) over the past two nights. Not my thing and I wonder what you’d think of it.
MichaelC
I wasn’t sent the 2011 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Chardonnay Michael but I have tried a couple of Meerea Park Chardonnays in the past and spoken to Rhys about the style they aim for. Within the context of pure personal preference they haven’t really been the sort of expressions I’m after – but the philosophy and intent seems sound enough. Whether the 2011 AM is an extension of that philosophy, I’m not sure.
Cheers
J