Tasting Notes for Hugh Hamilton The Rascal Shiraz 2007

Red Wines	Syrah/Shiraz	McLaren Vale	Australia

My Rating (circle) :

Date Printed: 6/19/2013

Hugh Hamilton The Rascal Shiraz 2007

(search item no. 107193)

screw cap wine

Australian Wine Companion rating: 92 points
Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
PRICE ON 6/19/2013: $19.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2006 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

Being McLaren Vale Shiraz, this wine oozes ripeness. However, being made from our own fruit, with each batch picked at optimum ripeness, it avoids jammy aromas; instead, it is reminiscent of plums, spices (including cardamom and nutmeg); and has beguiling notes of earth and dark olives. The subtle (predominantly French…) oak is present as hints of vanilla.

While some Rascals probably earned their reputation by taking a swing at you, this one won't try and knock you over. Yes, it is rich; but it is not a "blockbuster". Instead, it has great balance between sheer weight and serious structure. The nose is completely consistent with the palate, which has flavours of plums, spice and a touch of earth; it's generous yet fine, with gently gritty tannins and length from time in those lovely French oak barrels. One articulate rascal, it speaks of its origins and variety – without shouting at you.

It's a great wine to accompany any full flavoured fare like Prime rib, Scotch fillet, veal medallions & Osso Bucco, foie gras, BBQ and demiglace meats, vintage Cheddar, hazelnuts and dark chocolate.

My Notes:

About Hugh Hamilton:

Five generations of Hamilton winemakers and then there is Hugh. Every family has a black sheep and Hugh is it. Hugh does things his own way and is responsible for all the unusual grape varieties we have in the ground. He is also responsible for a lot of the nonsense that goes on around here and his sense of the ridiculous is known to go into full swing after dark whilst consuming generous amounts of his own product. The one thing that Hugh is serious about is what goes into the bottle and the fact that you are only as good as your last vintage, irrespective of how many years you have under your belt.

Hugh is the fifth generation of the family that planted the first vineyards at Glenelg in 1837, less than one year after European settlement in South Australia. As with all families one is a black sheep and Hugh Hamilton is it. You can expect therefore to enjoy the difference. The black sheep is the master of a most reprobate flock, with characters such as 'The Rascal' Shiraz, 'The Scallywag' Unwooded Chardonnay and 'The Villain' Cabernet Sauvignon – this is no ordinary line up. The wines are not ordinary either. There is a fascinating range of very individualistic wines that have great character. Have a look at the range in the "Flock of Wines" section of this web site. Hugh has a clear vision about the way he sees wines and he produces accordingly. He is a firm believer in the wine and food experience. Neither is magic. Both are great, especially in the company of good friends and lively conversation. His wines therefore are eminently drinkable and certainly very "more-ish"; (that means you'll always come back for the next glass!). These wines are not simple. They have such character and depth of flavour they can become a topic of dinner party conversation on their own.