HUGH HAMILTON ANCIENT EARTH 2021

McLaren Vale has some of the most variable, ancient and weathered soils on the planet. More than 40 unique geological units are present, ranging in age from less than 10,000 years to over 650 million years. 19 different soil types have been identified in one of the most detailed soil studies carried out in any wine region. It is for this reason this wine is called ‘Ancient Earth’. This is super juice! It is a quintessential McLaren Vale Shiraz taken from a selection of some of their best Shiraz parcels. It’s aptly named as it hails from some of the oldest geology of any wine region in the world. This wine is a keeper; it has a long life ahead and will reward your patience.

An assembly of excellent parcels sourced from a cross-section of McLaren Vale to create a regional expression of Shiraz. In contrast to the Black Bloods that highlight subregions, Ancient Earth aims to target the highest quality subregions across the entire area and blend them into a seamless representation of what the Vale does best.

Tasting Notes

A blunderbuss blast of brownie-dense blackcurrant, fresh asphalt, and dark red roses. Peek underneath and there’s caramel oak, black leather, white pepper, and vanilla pod. What is lacks in subtlety is more than made up for with pure bombast and likability. Gravelly texture and a savoury finish that lingers on. All of this tied together with a fine line of fancy oak.

ABV: 14.5%