Chapel Hill The Vicar Shiraz 2023

Chapel Hill The Vicar Shiraz 2023
$80, 14.5% alcohol, screwcap, McLaren Vale.

This release was grown on the Lacey Branson Road in central McLaren Vale and on the Lacey Watilla Block at the foot of the Willunga Hills. All ferments were left on skins for a range of 14 days to 22 days. Following gentle basket pressing, the free run and pressing fractions were combined before ageing in barrel for 22 months (all French, 22% new).

Fruit flavour of this quality and saturation is rarely served so fresh and effectively so raw. Oak contributes to the texture here but the flavour profile is the heart of McLaren Vale Shiraz laid bare. It tastes of saltbush and blackberries, dry earth and peppercorns, graphite and musk-infused plums. It’s warm, rich, surly and exuberant at once, and its long chains of fine-grained tannin are the perfect complement. There’s a silt-like aspect to the finish here, and with this extra slip of texture comes extra (complex) flavour. The warmth of this wine may bother some but the quality of it will impress everyone. 94+ points.