HUGH HAMILTON BLACK BLOOD III 2018/20

The Black Blood series are a trio of wines that represent a wonderful journey into McLaren Vale Shiraz, each from a different Hugh Hamilton vineyard with a distinct terroir. 

On the north-eastern fringe of the broader McLaren Vale region lies the Blewitt Springs sub-region: higher in elevation and further from the sea - and consequently cooler and later-ripening than the main region, and featuring large ancient sand hills which are interspersed with gullies which feature ironstone and clays. Here is the Hugh Hamilton ‘Black Sheep’ vineyard: a very diverse piece of land with a sizeable creek separating it into two main sections. It is home to substantial plantings of Shiraz and Cabernet, each of which is divided into smaller sub-blocks according to the
patchwork of soils on which they lie.

Sourced entirely from Block 4 at Hugh Hamilton Black Sheep Vineyard the incredible lift of this wine is in part due to the deep sand in which these vines have thrived since 1935. These old, gnarly, and twisted grape trees look nothing at all like the pretty, delicate florals, in the wine they produce.

Strikingly fresh, blood-rose, high-violet and cherry lift. Pie crust, raspberry and jelly crystals vie for attention with red cherry lip-gloss and swiss milk chocolate. The massively salivating punchy and pure palate is at once fruit forward and savoury spiced. Textured and intense. 

Though entrancing now, there is detail here that will become clear with patience. 

Food Pairing: This perfume loves spice - Try seared 5 Spice duck breast, or slow roast the whole.

Cellar: This wine will reward the time, think 6-10 years. 

Country: McLaren Vale, Australia

Grape Variety: Shiraz

ABV: 14.9%

96 points from Halliday Wine Companion