Richard Hamilton Wines are reflective of the distinctive McLaren Vale region with its Mediterranean climate producing great value, fruit driven wines. The Hamilton family have been involved in winemaking and grape growing for five generations. Dr Richard Hamilton now continues his familys long tradition of involvement in the wine industry.

Richard Hamilton are great value wines from vineyards which consistently produce wines of award-winning quality.

Vineyards

2018 can be summarised as being warmer and drier than average with about 60% of the rainfall over winter to the end of harvest compared with what would be expected on average. Despite that, the vines initially formed a lot of bunches, with cropping levels naturally reduced due to very windy conditions at flowering in late November which decreased bunches and diminished fruit set.

Final yields were 20% less than average. Harvest was a little later than expected despite above average temperatures during October, and December to February. The first three weeks of February were cooler but a very warm period from the last week of February to early March finished veraison in reds and initiated rapid ripening leading to a hectic fortnight to complete harvest. Quality is very good but quantity is down in all varieties with wines showing attractive fruit elegance and ripe tannins.

VInification

Fruit was harvested at night to take advantage of cooler temperatures, then de-stemmed and fermented for 8-13 days on skins. Following pressing and malo-lactic fermentation, the wine was filled to filled to predominantly French oak (21% new) and received several rackings.

The wine was blended in January 2018 then returned to oak for a further 14 months maturation.

Tasting Notes

Full, rich red with crimson highlights. Ripe cassis, plum and chocolate with a background of cedar from well integrated, balanced oak. A rich, full palate of plush fruits. Tannins are round and succulent, giving length, persistence and longevity.

Try it prime Wagyu, rich pasta or slow cooked duck.