The Hamilton family first planted vines in 1837 less than a year after Sth. Australia was established. Hugh, current 5th generation winemaker is most definitely the Black Sheep and Larrikin in the family history. With wine names like The Rascal, The Scallywag, The Ratbag and The Villain you don’t have a case to stand on to disagree. The wines reflect his attitude and are anything but boring displaying elegance and flavor with depth and complexity across the board.
He believes your as only as good as your last vintage and to that end strives to make the best, most unique wines that are exceedingly drinkable and display that old Australian concept of ‘mor-ish’ meaning you will always come back for more! Hugh’s legacy is being carried on by his daughter Mary, 6th Generation winemaker and first woman to take over the reins in the family’s long history.
The ‘Rascal’ Shiraz 2017
This is a product of that great pairing: Shiraz and McLaren Vale. Bold and full of flavor balanced with elegance and restraint that only McLaren Vale does best.
Nose displays delightful layers of blueberries and dark fruits with notes of violets and a promise of things to come. The palate is all blueberries, blackberries and plum with secondary flavors of black tea, spices and a subtle sweet vanilla on a long finish. Great Shiraz. Cellar to 2025.
The ‘Villain’ Cabernet 2017
I wouldn’t normally recommend consorting with a villain but with this, I’m willing to make an exception. The pleasure is worth the risk.
Nose is welcoming with layers of ripe raspberries, delightful floral notes and subtle spices leading you on. The palate is all raspberries with secondary notes of cassis, cranberries and spices revealing deceptive depth and complexity. Elegant and silky on the mouthfeel and a pleasure to pour for friends. The medium body allows this Cabernet to pair well with Roast Pork, Pork Chops, Beef Steak or a favorite Tuscany Dish, Devil’s Chicken. Cellar to 2025.
‘Black Ops’ Shiraz / Saperavi Blend 2019
This is a blend of 60 % Shiraz and 40% Saperavi blend and if you’re not familiar with the last grape, don’t be concerned, most of us aren’t. Saperavi origins trace back to Georgia (Eastern Europe) and is grown in several adjacent countries including Russia and of course in Australia. Not having tasted it on its own I can’t tell you definitively what its like. It is able to handle cooler climates but it most definitely needs a warmer climate to bring out the best in the grape.
Grapes for this wine are sourced from their own estate in McLaren Vale, a region known for elegance and restraint. There’s a unique rustic earthy note on the nose complimenting the dark fruits from the Shiraz. Definitely makes you want to explore further.
Soft silky mouthfeel greets you before you discover rich layers of blackberries, dark raspberries, plums and spices. This is a big rich wine with loads of depth and complexity that will demand a rich beef or strip Sirloin dish to match its size. My guess is this will cellar out to 2030 without a problem.
95pt- James Halliday
Vine to Table 