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Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
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"Deep purple-crimson; a particularly well-made wine, even if some may find the oak level high; nicely ripened cassis and blackcurrant fruit is complexed by cedary oak, the tannins ripe and soft. 94 Points." - James Halliday.
The 2009 Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly articulates the regional expression and charm of McLaren Vale. The close proximity of McLaren Vale to the Gulf of St Vincent and the resultant cooling afternoon sea breezes ensure that the grapes do not ripen too hastily and also facilitates the development of optimum levels of flavour, colour and tannin.
Above average rainfall in August 2008 was followed by a dry spring which resulted in the early commencement of the growing season. An extended heat period in January was quickly augmented by cooler day and night time temperatures. This weather pattern allowed the vines to rejuvenate and facilitate the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness and varietal dexterity.
The window of opportunity for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to develop their optimum varietal flavour is very fine. Regular vineyard visits and tasting of the grapes is imperative to ensure that the grapes are not allowed to achieve over ripeness as this would diminish the varietal characters and result in undesirable non-descript “jammy” characters. The individual parcels of grapes were harvested separately and fermented on skins for a minimum of eight days. The ferments were managed to ensure a greater level of extraction earlier in ferment, with the ferment being handled more gently towards the end of the time on skins to ensure that any astringent or stalky tannins were not extracted.
The subsequent wine exudes an evocative array of flavours. Brooding mulberry, dark cherry, aniseed and roasted chestnut flavours all mingle harmoniously in the wine. The flavour profile is underpinned by the graceful and seamless integration of the gently spicy oak and the sumptuous finely grained tannin structure.
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| Don't Pay: $30.00
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WBW Rating: 94/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: McLaren Vale SA |
Winemaker: Michael Fragos & Bryn Richards
Drink now until: 2024
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %
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