Red Australian Wine Chapel Hill Shiraz 2004 is a McLaren Vale Shiraz that displays hedonistic blueberry, violet, licorice and white chocolate flavors. The harmonious integration and balance of these fruit flavors with the gently textured oak is further enhanced by the persistent tannins. Aged for 22 months in oak hogsheads, of which 63% were French and 37% American, this red Australian wine from McLaren Vale is an outstanding value and a truly great boutique wine that is also organic. Chapel Hill Shiraz 2004 is an outstanding red wine that is highly rated, yet affordable.

SAVE EVEN MORE! BUY A CASE OF 12 BOTTLES AND GET AN ADDITIONAL 10% DISCOUNT!

McLaren Vale is universally recognized as one of the world's leading Shiraz producing regions. The red wines from this region of Australia have received top honors and reviews. McLaren Vale Shiraz is deep garnet red in color with an enormously rich mouth filling palate that boasts a unique combination of opulence, power and grace. The growing conditions during the 2004 vintage were idyllic. The warm temperate days coupled with cool nights and minimal rainfall, resulted in fruit of excellent condition. Such glorious growing conditions allowed the harvest to be dictated by the flavor and tannin ripeness. Subsequently the grapes ripened evenly and when harvested they displayed intense color, decadent flavors, lively acidity and excellent varietal definition. The fruit was sourced from vines aged between twelve and thirty five years. The various vineyard parcels were harvested and fermented separately to ensure that each parcel expressed the unique character of each vineyard site. During the subsequent twenty two month maturation period each individual batch of barrels was racked and returned periodically, to seamlessly integrate the tannins into the wine and to ensure that minimal filtration was required prior to bottling. Chapel Hill is an organic and environmentally sensitive winery. It is entirely in the Hills Face Zone, a sensitive rural preserve. In 1994 the winery received a commendation for "...a development sensitive to the environment in the Hills Face Zone". In 2005 the company received a merit award in the Nature Foundations Environment Award. In October 2005, Chapel Hill was recognized by the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association for dedication to the environment with 2 new awards. The first was a recognition of Wine Industry Environmental Innovation in recognition of Wine Industry Environmental Innovation in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. The second was The Winery and Environment Award for demonstrating Environmental Best Practice in winery wastewater management in the McLaren Vale wine industry.

RATINGS: 88 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"An interesting contrast to the majority of Australian Shiraz, Chapel Hill�s 2004 boasts crisp acidity and a juicy, lipsmacking finish. Dollops of vanilla and caramel highlight bright berry flavors. Drink now�2012."
SILVER Medal - Royal Hobart Wine Show, 2006
95 Points - 5 Stars - James Halliday, July 2007
"Superb purple-red colour; a lovely medium bodied regional wine; luscious black fruits, dark chocolate and fine tannins, then a very long finish. Best for years."

Chapel Hill Shiraz 2004 Information:
Varietal: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Region: Australia > South Australia > McLaren Vale
Producer: Chapel Hill
Alcohol: 14.5%
Appellation: 100% McLaren Vale
Harvest Date: March 2004
Barrel Aging: Matured for 22 months in 300L oak hogsheads, of which 63% was French & 37% American.
Oak age was 37% new, 35% second use & 28% third use
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/L
Bottling Date: June 2006
Release Date: October 2006
Closure: Screw Cap
Winemaker: Michael Fragos