Fruit from a low-cropped vineyard in central Heathcote, which was harvested by hand on 10 March 2018 and then transported directly to the winery the same day it was picked for overnight temperature control.
Post fermentation and a short period of stabilisation in stainless steel, the wine was racked in to a combination of French and American oak Barriques. All Barriques were allowed to go through a secondary ferment and a second racking took place in mid-2019, followed by bottling in December 2018. The wine was not fined.
A bright Shiraz, heavy on Heathcote flavour without the unnecessary encore. Allspice, ripe raspberry and white pepper with delicate tannins on the mid-palate. A perfect match to any meal, to be enjoyed now, or cellar up to 8 years.
Tasting notes
Region: Heathcote
Sub-region: Heathcote township
Harvest date: 10 March 2018
Harvested: by hand
Aged: French and American oak, 18 months
Palate: Juicy ripe raspberry, allspice and white pepper. Delicate, smooth tannins with subtle spice on the finish
Drinking best: 2020-2028
Reviews
"Hand-picked fruit, fermented with inoculated yeast, racked to a combination of French and American oak barriques, mlf and matured 18 months, not fined. Looks the goods – deep, dark purple – and manages to typify what we love about Heathcote shiraz with its generosity and plushness. A rich vein of blackberries, plums lifted by high spice, pepper and blackstrap licorice. A gentle palate of savoury tannin and balanced oak tannins." Jeni Port for Hallidays, score: 92 points (Silver).
"Totally opaque black dark red core with a bright purple dark red hue. Aromas of liquorice and dark plum have a Eucalypt overlay with some vanillin confectionary and subtle spicy earth notes also present. Soft and plush the mid weighted palate is generously endowed with dark cherry, plum, liquorice and Eucalypt flavours. Some light vanillin cedar and pepper are also present. Fine grained tannins finishing with good freshness and a modest aftertaste." Nicks Wine Merchants, score: 89 points.
"Black-purple colour, fruit forward and menthol aromas. Sweet and savoury on the palate, reminiscent of boysenberry, choc-mint, charcuterie and green pepper. Rich and smooth texture, full-bodied with a warm, grippy finish." Amanda Yallop for The Real Review, score: 88 points (Bronze).
