Chapel Hill are in the fortunate position to be the custodians of some of the most unique vineyard sites in McLaren Vale; showcased by The Gorge vineyard planted in 1993. With the gently undulating soils, which are derived from prized ancient rock formations, are further enhanced by the elevation as the site perfectly capitalises on the beneficial coastal influence. Always limited in number, theýGorge Block (formerly TheýChosen) Cabernet Sauvignon proudly showcases the sites wonderful ability to build a complex and concentrated red that will comfortably live in your cellar for the next 10 years if you can resist the alluring primary fruits on display today

Colour Elderberry, deep and clear at the centre with a cool edge. Bouquet Ripe raspberries, dried herbs, red plums. Cranberry and warm spice. Bay leaf and orange rind lend a fresh, mediterranean edge to the enticingly sweet bouquet. Palate Raspberry coulis and blood orange fill a palate that is vibrant and piquant to its core. Chalk and graphite; energy and tension are enveloped in sandy tannins. A wine with boundless verve, energy and electric personality.

Fine, elegant, restrained and with a touch of cedar, the nose shows a floral/cherry fragrance, with an underlying hint of pepper: typical of concentrated Grenache. Oak plays a minor role in the background to allow the beautiful fruit to shine through. This wine is all about texture, length and balanced fruit. It has a medium body in which the tannins are long and soft, while the bright fruit provides a persistent mouth feel. Fruit flavours are in the cherry spectrum.

Deep rich red showing a youthful purple rim. Lifted notes of blackberry, chocolate and spice, with secondary characters of blueberry, leather and soy provides a complex and intense introduction to the wine. The palate is full bodied, displaying classic spice and ripe berry notes, integrated oak and concentration for which Australian Shiraz is renowned. It has spice and savoury notes with plentiful ripe succulent tannins on the finish.

The plushness and generosity of the grenache fruit is brilliantly displayed across the palate, but it is also brilliantly offset by plating tannins and an in-and-out running acidity. All of these qualities crash balletically together at the end of the palate, as if a well-practised circus troupe: cherried fruits, puckering tannins, and piquant acidity

Chris Hatcher of 'Hatch Wines' has been a winemaker for almost 50 years including more than 35 years at Wolf Blass, 27 as Chief Winemaker. After many years of contemplating releasing his own wines, Hatch retired from TWE in June 2023 and then in October/November released my own label HATCH, his monicker for most of his life. Hatch McLaren Vale Vesey Shiraz is a powerful, rich and plush wine with great vibrance and purity. The palate is intense, opulent and silky, delicious now, however will be reward with medium to long-term cellaring. 'A dense vibrant purple, aromas which simply leap from the glass. Generous in style, indeed opulent, with a seductive and soft texture, silky tannins. This will easily age and improve for eight to twelve years. Love it'. - Ken Gargett

Michael Fragos grew up in McLaren Vale, and spent 14 years at Tatachilla before taking over at Chapel Hill in 2004. A three-time ‘Bushing King’, Michael has also been named best winemaker on the planet! James Halliday notes that his “wine quality is unfailingly excellent” . This one has an expressive nose of blackcurrant, bay leaf cigar box and chocolate. The palate is medium to full-bodied, beautifully structured, with a powerful complexity, fine-grained tannins, velvety texture and long, long finish.