This outstanding trio of McLaren Vale reds performed beautifully. One of South Australia’s finest efforts is Oliverhill’s 2005 Shiraz Jimmy Section. Aged in 100% French oak (33% new) for 17 months, it is an unbelievably dense wine boasting an exquisite perfume of spring flowers, blackberry and blueberry jam, smoky pain grille, and graphite. Huge intensity, full body, and stunning concentration, richness, and length suggest this spectacular wine will age effortlessly for 10-15+ years.
Drinking Window: 2006 - 2021
Reviewer Name: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
ExternalLink: www.robertparker.com
External Id: https://www.robertparker.com/articles/82AHiBz4wP9s7ywGs
Oliverhill Winery Shiraz Jimmy Section McLaren Vale. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes fresh blackberry, boysenberry, potpourri and incense, along with exotic Moroccan spice qualities that gain power as the wine opens up. Densely packed but lively as well, offering sappy black and blue fruit liqueur and spice cake flavours and suggestions of cola and mocha. The floral and spice notes repeat strongly on the impressively long, sweet finish, along with resonating spiciness, a touch of violet pastille and very soft tannins.
Oliverhill McLaren Vale. We are located just north of the township of McLaren Vale, an area known as the 'Seaview' sub-region of McLaren Vale.
Stuart Miller is the winemaker and
caretaker of the vineyard: this is truly a hands-on winery where every step of
production from vineyard to bottling is overseen by Stuart himself. His family
are involved in all stages of the process, picking grapes, pruning vines,
bottling, packaging and more.
Oliverhill was established in the early
1970s and the Miller family moved in during the early 1990s.
Stuart Miller is the winemaker and
caretaker of the vineyard: this is truly a hands-on winery where every step of
production from vineyard to bottling is overseen by Stuart himself. His family
are involved in all stages of the process, picking grapes, pruning vines,
bottling, packaging and more.
Oliverhill was established in the early
1970s and the Miller family moved in during the early 1990s.
Overall, the climate is Mediterranean, with fresh sea breezes helping to moderate temperatures during the growing season. Chilly winds from the hills also cool the grapes on specific vineyard sites, helping to retain acidity and structure. The summers and most of the autumn season are dry, which keeps vine diseases at bay. McLaren Vale vineyards also boast a wide range of soil types, with localized specialties.
The region acquired its GI (Geographical Indication) status in 1997, but wine-growing traditions here are amongst the oldest in the country. Pioneers such as Thomas Hardy and John Reynella, both iconic names in the Australian wine industry, can be credited with this achievement, having realized the region's potential in the early 19th Century when the first vines were planted.
The proximity of McLaren Vale to the city of Adelaide provides plenty of custom for local wine producers' cellar door operations.