Chapel Hill ‘The M.V.’ Bush Vine Grenache 2020
Grape Varietal: 100% Grenache
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Winemakers: Michael Fragos & Bryn Richards
It must be said that it has been a few years since I last visited the guys at Chapel Hill Winery, which is built on the hilltop site of the historic Seaview Chapel. As you drive to the top of the hill and turn into the winery, it is an absolutely stunning vista that greets you. The original Chapel was built in 1865 and is now their charming tasting room. The winery and these character filled wines are under the discerning guidance of winemakers Michael and Bryn, along with the seamless support from Rachel Steer their talented viticulturist. They produce handcrafted wines with varietal purity, a sense of place, elegance and character.
The hand harvested fruit came off the Munzberg vineyard, with these old bush vines being planted in 1952, and is just a short distance south-east of the winery in McLaren Flat. These old, low yielding vines result in small berries, thick skins and open bunches which deliver bright fruit flavours and an invigorating rustic savoury texture. The bunches went into open-top fermenters and gently plunged for several days before being basket pressed and transferred into a mix of French oak (62% 1-5 year old 500L Puncheons) and 38% tank where it matured for around 9 months and then clarified naturally before bottling.
★ On the nose you are hypnotised by homemade berry jam and wild floral aromas. The generous palate is luscious, celebrating vibrant juicy wild berries and fleshy plums dusted with herbal seasoning resulting in a smooth lavish character. The finely tuned tannins and deft use of oak have dovetailed perfectly giving a balanced structure and crafting an impeccable benchmark style, that leaves you wanting more.
This 2020 Chapel Hill ‘The M.V.’ Bush Vine Grenache has 14.5% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. Mild decanting of around 20-30 minutes and serve in a generously shaped wine glass at 16°- 17°C. *NZ$34.99
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 15/10/22)
With mild decanting drinking now, plus will age well for another 5 - 6 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with roast lamb, veal or pork chops with a cherry or wine jus, slow cooked duck on truffle mash, mildly seasoned pasta dishes, earthy vegetarian cuisine and pâté on toast - enjoy.
