Chapel Hill The Chosen Cabernet. Nice signature Mr Fragos

Chapel Hill The Chosen ‘Gorge Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (McLaren Vale, SA)
14.5%, Screwcap, $65
Source: Sample
www.chapelhillwine.com.au

Part of the ‘The Chosen’ series of single vineyard wines, this comes off the Gorge Block which is effectively right next to the winery. As ever this carries the polish of Michael Fragos’ winemaking, balancing tannins and fruit in a rather satisfying mix. My big-red loving uncle would dig this Cabernet.

I tasted this blind and was amazed when it was unveiled as from the Vale – lovely dark plum and currant fruit, as per the Vale norm, but with the most plundering, ballsy tannins around. The sort of tannins that hit you in the mouth like a sock full of cricket balls. Couple such tannins with the trademark McLaren Vale mid palate generosity and you’ve got a full flavoured, deep and satisfying tannic Cabernet. It’s still not going to win any gold medals for truest varietal Cabernet, but the recipe here is a very good one. Looked even better on day two as well.

Drink: 2012-2025+
Score: 18.3/20 93/100
Would I buy it? Probably not, but every single person I’d give this too would want more. For general market appeal this is bang on. A wine you could give to your uncle and say ‘here, this is what $65 worth of wine tastes like’ and they’ll come away happy.