What a pleasure it is to open some of these 2010 McLaren Vale reds. From the superstar Scarce Earth Shiraz lineup to the simple joy of what is a ‘big blend’ in the 2010 Church Block. This too carries a whole bagful of fruit richness, just like Vale reds should be. Like.

Firm, deep set nose on this looks rather masculine. Ballsy even, like the Cabernet has been downing protein shakes. The sweet fruited, if savoury and composed palate which has a splash of cedary varietal character (though not too much. It wouldn’t be a Vale Cabernet then) and proper fruit vitality.

It’s hardly a minty, leafy Cabernet but is still a lovely blackberry drenched red with positively exuberant fruit. An ad for organics even? Nice stuff. 17.6/92

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