Great packaging here too Textured label a real winner

Chapel Hill Tempranillo 2010 (McLaren Vale & Adelaide Hills, SA)
14%, Screwcap, $20
Source: Sample
www.chapelhillwine.com.au

Australian Tempranillo. Think it’s going to be as huge as it’s purported to be or is the industry just pumping up a bit player?

I think it’s way too early to be calling anything just yet, but the basic signs already point to promise. Earthy, chocolatey promise. Perhaps the only setback with Tempranillo is that it really isn’t all that distinctively varietal? I mean, Rioja is as much about oak as it is about the grapes inside of it. The joys of Tempranillo don’t lie on the nose but through the texture and tannins. Then again, ‘joven’ styles are certainly still varietal beasts…

Anyway I digress. This is an unquestionably pleasurable wine.  A blend of 80% McLaren Vale and 20% Adelaide Hills fruit, this is all juicy red berries and earth on the nose. The palate is squeaky – and I mean absolutely pristine – clean, which makes it juicy but also dulls the character a fraction. Driven by mid palate generosity this doesn’t quite have the tannins or length for big points, though still a very affable and wine. 16.5/88