Wines McLaren Vale Hugh Hamilton - Jekyll & Hyde - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Hugh Hamilton’s 2018 Cuvée Jekyll & Hyde is a red wine from the sun-drenched region of McLaren Vale, South Australia. This cuvée is renowned for its innovative blend, often bringing together aromatic varietals such as Shiraz and Saperavi—though Hugh Hamilton’s approach can keep you guessing. Expect a vibrant, modern wine with richly extracted colour and an expressive bouquet. Notes of ripe dark cherries, blackberries and blackcurrant leap from the glass, accompanied by subtle spices and a touch of chocolate or mocha. On the palate, the wine reveals a structured tannic backbone with a supple, lingering finish, shaped by careful oak maturation and meticulous vinification, which balances the fruit’s natural exuberance.

McLaren Vale is an iconic region within South Australia, boasting a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The proximity to the Gulf St Vincent encourages cooling sea breezes, preserving acidity and freshness in the grapes. The soils here vary from ancient sandy loams to terra rossa and shale, imparting complexity to the wines. With vine plantings dating back to the 19th century, McLaren Vale is celebrated for both its innovation and respect for tradition, especially with bold, expressive red wines.

For food pairings, the opulent fruit and polished tannins of this Cuvée Jekyll & Hyde make it an excellent companion to robust dishes. Consider grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary, a classic beef and mushroom pie, or even Persian-spiced aubergine for a vegetarian option. Regional Australian flavours, such as spiced kangaroo or a hearty cassoulet, will also work beautifully, drawing out the wine's depth and spice.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before enjoying will allow the aromas to fully open and the tannins to soften, revealing the full complexity and character of this memorable McLaren Vale blend.