Two Chapel Hill reds tasted from the “challenging” 2011 McLaren Vale vintage and they’ve both come out looking good. Kudos to those involved with both the viticulture and the winemaking – that would primarily be Rachel Steer, Bryn Richards and Michael Fragos.
Sweet red and dark cherries are accompanied by fried bacon, dried oregano and terracotta with Malteser oak and plenty of pepper. The acidity bristles at first but give it some air and it burrows in well enough. Attractive, leathery tannin to chew on. It’s a food wine for sure but in a good way. 90 Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $25
Tasted: December 2012