Chapel Hill The Prophet McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017

Tom Nelson, founder of Chapel Hill Winery, planted his first vines in 1972 around the dilapidated chapel he subsequently renovated, creating a winery, offices and tasting room. By 1994, however, there was a need to build a new 80,000 case winery. Successful? Doesn’t come close – Chapel Hill is an Aussie phenomenon. In charge today, on behalf of the winery’s new Swiss owners, is Michael Fragos, a fervent believer in the quality of the McLaren Vale and three times crowned McLaren Vale Bushing King for winemaking skills. The Prophet Shiraz displays decadent aromas of blueberries and exotic spice with aniseed and plum flavours and firm tannins. Michael loves a glass with roast pork. It’s a big wine so let it breathe a while or keep a few years.