Chapel Hill Winery releases its 2023 Collection, celebrating three exceptional vintage wines
Chapel Hill Winery, renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines, introduces its highly anticipated vintage release of three outstanding wines: The Vicar Shiraz 2020, Gorge Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, and Road Block Shiraz 2020. These wines are carefully handcrafted to showcase the distinct characteristics of McLaren Vale and will be available for purchase nationally from June 14th.
Chapel Hill Winery, located on the historic site of the Seaview Chapel, holds a deep respect for the land and vines. The winery’s philosophy centres around handcrafting wines with purity and balance, allowing the site and varietal characters of McLaren Vale to shine. Since its establishment in 1971, Chapel Hill Winery has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique personality of the region.
The Vicar Shiraz 2020, priced at $80, represents Chapel Hill’s flagship wine. It is an annual vineyard selection of the winery’s most outstanding and expressive parcels of McLaren Vale Shiraz. This wine is a testament to Chapel Hill’s commitment to McLaren Vale, showcasing the regal variety and their belief in gentle and patient winemaking.
The Gorge Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, priced at $65, exemplifies the richness of McLaren Vale’s terroir. This wine is a result of meticulous vineyard management and gentle winemaking techniques. With its sumptuous flavours of mulberry, rosemary and roasted beetroot, it offers a truly delightful and full-bodied experience.
Road Block Shiraz 2020, also priced at $65, captivates with its opulent and powerful character. This wine reveals layers of delicious flavours and silky tannins that linger on the palate. It is a true expression of the purity and quality for which Chapel Hill Winery is known.
“Vintage 2020 will stay in the memory for a long time. There were quite a few twists and turns during the growing season, however, the cooler conditions towards the end ensured that the wines would be brimming with flavour and complexity,” said Michael Fragos, the esteemed Chief Winemaker at Chapel Hill.
Michael, with his extensive knowledge and experience, has been the driving force behind Chapel Hill’s winemaking success. Having recently celebrated his 20th Vintage with the winery, and named ‘‘world’s best winemaker’ at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London in 2007, he continues to push the boundaries of winemaking, while preserving the traditions that have made Chapel Hill a benchmark in the industry.
The names of the wines at Chapel Hill Winery hold special significance, reflecting the winery’s fruitful history and connection to its surroundings and the region’s unique geology. Gorge Block Cabernet Sauvignon is named in homage to Chapel Hill’s location, which borders the picturesque Onkaparinga Gorge National Park. The winery’s proximity to this natural wonder serves as an inspiration for this wine, capturing the essence of the surrounding landscape and its influence on the grapes.
Road Block Shiraz wine takes its name from sitting proudly at the commencement of Chapel Hill Road. Reflecting the winery’s connection to its surroundings and the unique geology of the area, Road Block captures the essence of this rich history in its flavour profile, showcasing the influence of time and natural processes on the creation of this exceptional wine.
Chapel Hill Winery not only offers meticulously crafted wines but also invites visitors to experience their Tasting Room within the iconic 157-year-old chapel. This historic chapel, built in 1865 with ironstone, is an integral feature of the tasting room and reflects the winery’s commitment to heritage, community and art. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over McLaren Vale and Gulf St Vincent while savouring the exquisite wines.
To enhance the experience, Chapel Hill Winery offers five wine-tasting experiences, all complemented by friendly and knowledgeable service. Visitors may even have the opportunity to see the winemakers themselves popping in to say hello, further deepening the connection between the wine and its creators.
The 2020 Vintage Collection is available online and at Dan Murphy’s nationwide and selected BWS stores from 14th June, or from the Chapel Hill Winery cellar door. For more information, please visit www.chapelhillwine.com.au.
