Chapel Hill 'The MV' Range:
The Chapel Hill Winery was built on the site of the historic Seaview Chapel. The Chapel was built in 1865 and now serves as their tasting room and cellar door. The first vines were planted in 1972 and the first vintage was in 1975.
At Chapel Hill there exists a deep respect for the land and their vines - managed by Rachel Steer (viticulturist), and under the diligent guidance of winemakers Michael Fragos and Bryn Richards, Chapel Hill hand craft wines with integrity and typicity. All their wines are handled gently in small batches with a restrained winemaking philosophy. With their red wines being open fermented, plunged regularly, basket pressed and not filtered, which ensures the wonderful authenticity and varietal character.
Chapel Hill's McLaren Vale ‘MV’ range of wines demonstrate the winery's sense of place. These single varietal expressions unreservedly encapsulate the charm of McLaren Vale and shares what makes this region so special.
Chapel Hill ‘The MV' Bush Vine Grenache 2020
Grape Varietal: 100% Grenache
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Winemakers: Michael Fragos & Bryn Richards
5 Stars ★★★★★
The hand harvested vineyards were planted in 1948 and 1952. The bunches went into open fermenters and gently plunged for several days before being basket pressed and transferred to a mix of French oak (62% 1-5 year old 500L Puncheons) and 38% tank where it matured for 9 months and clarified naturally before bottling.
• On the nose you are hypnotised by homemade berry jam and wild floral aromas. The palate is luscious, celebrating vibrant juicy red berries and plums dusted with herbal seasoning resulting in a smooth lavish character. The fine tannins and deft use of oak are coming together so early in its development and is an impeccable benchmark style. *(will cellar for 5 - 6 years).
• Decant for 20-30 minutes and serve between 16°- 17°C : 14.5% Alc. – Dry Style : *Retail - NZ$34.99
Chapel Hill ‘The MV’ Shiraz 2019
Grape Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Winemakers: Michael Fragos & Bryn Richards
4 Stars ★★★★
The Shiraz fruit went into open fermenters where it was gently plunged for several days before being basket pressed and transferred to French oak (Hogshead 300L) barrels (22% new oak, 78% 1-6 years old) where it matured for 20 months and clarified naturally before bottling.
• Regional aromas of wild berries, pepper and dried herbs. The palate has an approachable swagger and that regional savoury nuance. Delivering on the taught palate wild berries, cassis, star anise and tobacco. Time in oak has wrapped around the fruit acidity and silky tannins resulting in a vibrant style that needs a short time in the glass before it reveals its true character. *(will cellar for 6 - 7 years).
• Decant 40-45 minutes & serve between 16°- 18°C : 14.5% Alc. – Dry Style : *Retail - NZ$34.99
Chapel Hill ‘The MV’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Region: McLaren Vale - South Australia
Winemakers: Michael Fragos & Bryn Richards
5 Stars ★★★★★
The harvested fruit went into open fermenters where it was gently plunged for several days before being basket pressed and transferred to French oak (Hogshead 300L) barrels (23% new oak, 77% 1-6 years old) where it matured for 19 months and clarified naturally before bottling.
• Classic aromas of blackberries, mint chocolate and cloves. The palate has power with a gracious generosity and importantly varietal and regional integrity. Showcasing blackcurrants, blackberries, black olives, dried herbs and liquorice. Time in oak has dovetailed with the fruit tannins resulting in a well-structured wine, giving breadth and balance to a stylish expression. *(will cellar for 8 - 10 years).
• Decant 50-60 minutes & serve between 17°- 18°C : 14.5% Alc. – Dry Style : *Retail - NZ$34.99
*(prices, vintages & availability will vary by outlet & country)
Recent Chapel Hill Reviews:
