There are times when it is appropriate to jump up and shout "YES!!!" - This is one of those times, so if you're sneakily shopping for wine at work you should probably hold out. The rest of you can jump on your chairs, the wait is over.
On the heels of its utterly gorgeous 2012 sibling Chalk Hill's latest Shiraz offering is once more proving what an amazing job the two brothers Jock and Tom since they took over from their parents. Displaying the dark inly colouring and weight typical of the region, the nose is inviting, a promise of what's to come on the palate; plum, liquorice, burnt mocha, there is nothing green here- no eucalyptus or mint- just pure depth with an ample cedar endnote to tie it all together harmoniously.
And for under $20! Can we say bargain?
Gold - AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge
Gold - Sydney International Wine Competition 2015
Raymond Chan: 18.5/20 Good colour for the vintage sends an accurate smoke signal for what is to follow, with satsuma plum and black cherry on the well-balanced, supple palate; there are no green/mint notes, just a thin coat of McLaren Vale chocolate. Ready now.
Very deep purple black in colour, the 2012 Shiraz exudes wonderfully pure scents of blackberries and blueberry compote with touches of eucalyptus, dark chocolate and star anise. Very big and full bodied in the mouth, the opulent flesh is nicely balanced by medium to firm levels of rounded tannins and just enough acid to hold through a finish with great persistence. Drink it now to 2021+. 91+ points - Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Feb 2014
James Halliday - 93 Light, bright and clear crimson-purple; an elegant pinot, essentially unforced; sappy, spicy red cherry fruit drives the bouquet and palate with a gentle infusion of French oak. Scores for its authenticity and purity."
International Wine Cellar: 90 Light red. Heady aromas of strawberry, raspberry and smoky spices. Lively, supple red berry flavors are complicated by tangy spice and floral qualities. Very suave, with a sweet, lively, persistent finish and no rough edges. This is delicious right now.
FROM THE WINERY: The 2002 Pinot Noir grapes were the first off the new Indigo Vineyard at Beechworth and a stunning vintage to debut. As there are three clones planted over different sites there is the opportunity to process as a number of different parcels. Hence we have the varietal bottling as well as a Single Vineyard wine. Beechworth had a perfect spring and ripening period over summer led to very high expectations. Winemaker Simon Steele quickly recognized the potential of the early fruit and with two other vintage staff packed their swag and headed to Beechworth. The rain at the end of February delayed the late ripening red harvest but everything came in good order.
Don't Pay: $25.00
WBW Rating: 96/100
Closure: Screwcap
Region: McLaren Vale, SA
Winemaker: Emmanuelle Requin-Bekkers
Drink now until: 2022
Alc/Vol: 14.4 %
