2007 Chalk Hill Shiraz

2007 Chalk Hill Shiraz


McLaren Vale

The first thing that comes to mind when I smell it, besides the delicious black cherries plum jam, is the bottle labelled 14.5% alcohol. Often reds can benefit from a good airing as it gives them a chance to relax and take a breath. Kinda like in the original Star Trek when they beamed down to a new planet and no matter what it looks like, it always seams to have oxygen. Eventually they take their helmets off and get on with the story.

Original tasting was 4:30pm Friday arvo, and therefore I opened it at about 2:30pm. Just the screw cap though which doesn't allow much air but is still better than nothing. Anyway, all who were gathered around for a tasting agreed the wine smelt hot and some had first hand alcohol related symptoms. Once past the alcohol, all agreed this was a great drop.

The Chalk Hill surprises me actually, I've come to expect a varietal jammy or tartness but this is far more elegant and balanced. Perhaps a couple of years in the bottle should be mandatory for McLaren Vale Shiraz. There is a little savoury sharpness on the nose too, I don't want to say stem so more like green leaves.

Rich plum flavors, sweet red and black cherries, delicious black currant finish.

Nice example of this varietal. Far more fruit driven area of Australia.

71 points