Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache 2017
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Australian Wine
Companion -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The unsung hero of McLaren Vale, the history and tradition of our region can be enjoyed with a glass of this wine that is crafted from old bush vine Grenache. These old, low yielding vines result in small berries, thick skins and open bunches which deliver bright fruit flavors and an invigorating rustic savory texture.
Professional Ratings
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Australian Wine Companion
Single vineyard bushvine grenache planted in '52, hand-picked and sorted, crushed and destemmed, open-fermented, 12 days on skins, pressed to 5yo French puncheons for 12 months maturation. Old vines, made in a traditional way, but (thankfully) with moderate alcohol for the variety. Clear, light crimson; juicy red fruit flavours of strawberry, cherry and raspberry are anchored by fine lines of silky tannins, spice (which will grow with time) following on. Excellent length and finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The product of a later, cooler vintage, the 2017 Bush Vine Grenache was aged a year in used puncheons. It's laced with mouthwatering black-cherry fruit that boasts hints of garrigue-like herbs, showing no hint of oak flavor. Medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained, silky-textured tannins, it should drink well for 4-5 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
In typical Grenache fashion, this is a fragrant, fruity wine that charges out of the gate with ripe red berry fruit, red licorice, orange zest, crushed flower and soft peppery spice. The palate is held together by savory tannins and mouthwatering acidity, which balances the slightly syrupy fruit.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache is clean, persistent, and bright. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers attractive aromas and flavors of red and black fruits with a note of rusticity and spice. Pair it with a savory hunter's stew. (Tasted: June 23, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2019-
Wine
Enthusiast
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Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling
Chapel Hill Winery borders the stunning Onkaparinga River National Park; they value and respect their unique surrounds, their land and vines. Their focus is on soil health to build resilience and character in their vines and consequently, the wines. One of the first to embrace the McLaren Vale Sustainable Australia Winegrowing program and are continually improving their grape-growing practices. Rainwater is collected from the winery roofs for use in the winery. Winery waste water is treated via a wetlands system and used for irrigation. All of the organic material from the winemaking process (skins, seeds and stems), is composted onsite and spread on the vineyard, negating the need for synthetic fertilisers. Vineyard operations have been modified to minimise the impact on beneficial insects, helping to maintain a natural balance to prevent pest and disease outbreaks. Volunteer cover crops have been encouraged to reduce evaporation and protect the precious soils. Their sustainable farming practices result in fruit that articulates the wonderful characteristics of McLaren Vale.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.