Check out my summary of the McLaren Vale Scarce Earth Project and a number of the wines from the 2012 intake – click here

Five Views Vineyard Creepers Cut Out Shiraz

Haselgrove “The Ambassador” Single Vineyard Shiraz ($85)

The ambassador is Les Burdett (of Adelaide Oval curator fame) and all profits from the sales of this wine goes to charity.  The wine lacks aroma – as I found with many of this years Scarce Earth offerings.  As it should the soft fruit plays the main role here but drops away quite quickly.

Hugh Hamilton Black Blood III Shiraz ($70)

Aromas of fresh plums with an almost perfume lift.  Lovely clean shiraz fruit with a pepper lingering finish.  Crying out for food and another glass.

Hugh Hamilton Black Blood II Shiraz ($70)

Across the aroma and flavour profiles this wine is all about the fruit.  Wonderful balance with some blue character and a tobacco and spice finish.

Hugh Hamilton Black Blood I Shiraz ($70)

From the Bay of Biscay clays next to the cellar door that produced a wine with black tar and fruit strength but an elegant balance.

Battle of Bosworth Bradens Shiraz ($45)

Another wine from Bay of Biscay clay but so different to the one above.  There is a real fruit character with the aroma and this fruit comes through on the palate as well.  I liked the tannin structure and the spice finish.

Vinrock Shiraz ($55)

The aromas are all about earthy chocolate – don’t worry this works.  I thought this wine had the most tannins compared to the wines tasted so far.  Balanced and dark – just needs food!

Five Views Creepers Cut Out Shiraz ($39)

This is my favourite wine of the group so far.  Aromas of choc mint layer wrapped around a fresh plum.  Not a lot of oak but a real sage hit with the clean plum fruit expected from Shiraz.

Penny’s Hill Footprint Shiraz ($65)

Again minimal aroma here.  Interesting fruit character here – chalky or slatey with a hint of smoke that works well with the bold fruits.

Coriole Willunga Shiraz ($55)

There is a blackness here that indicates a fruit strength.  Rosemary makes an appearance here as well.

Coriole Galaxidia Shiraz ($55)

There is a combination of good fruit, earthy mushrooms and dried herbs – lots to like here.