“Remember episode 315? The grape mini-series on Mourvèdre/Monastrell where we talked about the merits of this hard to grow, yet very underrated grape? We mentioned how important the grape was to GSM (Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre blends) in Australia and how a few producers are making wines as single varietals.

Well, here’s your chance to try this stunning grape when growing in the exact right place for it: McLaren Vale! As it becomes more apparent that Shiraz may need cooler spots than producers may have been giving it, some Australian producers are pivoting to new grapes that love heat. Enter Mourvèdre, a grape they already grow that can be cultivated on hot sites and rock it out. Chapel Hill is an amazing producer (and, I mean, who doesn’t love that it also has the name of my alma mater, which I love so much!)”

Elizabeth Schneider, Podcast Host and Author of Wine For Normal People - Wine Spies’ Podcast Partner and Brand Ambassador

Been too dang long without a Chapel Hill in the house!

And how about a 100% Mourvèdre!!! How cool a rare Rhône varietal is that! It’s the secret ingredient to French classics such as red Bandol, the pearl of Provence, or some of the most famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape luxury cuvées far more famous than the grape itself. When done right, as Decanter describes it can reach profoundness, “Increasingly popular as the world wakes up to its qualities, this robust, thick-skinned Mediterranean variety with its funky, animal-like character… at its intense, blackberryish best where it gets lots of sunshine, often close to the sea…”

Guess what? Chapel Hill is maybe 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean!

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate describes this Australian icon best; “Chapel Hill is located 190 meters above sea level on the site of the Seaview chapel and schoolhouse. The original 1865 chapel is now part of the cellar door… the winery remains a classic source for McLaren Vale wines.”

Classic indeed. Especially in this geography.

Wines of the McLaren Vale are something uniquely special. They stand out from other Aussie wines in some very important ways, in terms of aromatics, mouthfeel and flavor profile. McLaren Vale wines are big, Big, BIG… but always crowd-pleasing, without any of the brashness often associated with other ‘big wine’ regions. Chapel Hill is one of Australia’s finest. Gentle, patient winemaking gives their wines a hand-made feel. Their respect and care for their vineyards are legendary. Every Chapel Hill we’ve ever tasted has impressed us deeply.

Including this one. Very limited!

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“This is an oh-so-Aussie expression of Mourvèdre (or Mataro, as it’s sometimes known Down Under) showcasing the prowess of the variety on its own. The nose is a deep well of dark berries, plums and cedar with fistfuls of herbs and hints of black olives and toasty oak spice. There’s lovely freshness on the palate, silky fruit and powdery, well-integrated tannins. A full-flavored, winter warmer wine that avoids feeling overly rich or heavy.”