I personally think this wine has changed a little over the years. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a dam good wine; however, it doesn’t have the same depth of Heathcote soil character I remember it to have from the early vintages.
Yes, I know different vintages, Climate change, change of style, looking to attract the younger drinker, all that stuff.
On the Nose: Delicate ripe blackcurrants sprinkled with white pepper, some violet aromas appear with what might be stewed rhubarb lurking in the background.
In the Glass: Dark crimson inky colour. Fresh fruit was wafting up from the glass.
In the Mouth: Blackcurrant and blackberry fruit and bright red plum all meld harmoniously across the palate, offering richness blended with underlying dusty tannins.
For me, this wine fits a modern style of Heathcote Shiraz, offering attractive mid-palate fruit and a mineral hint on the finish. Possibly made for early drinking in mind, however, this wine will most definitely benefit from a couple of years spent in the cellar.
I enjoyed this wine with smoky barbecued Lamb cutlets laid over a roasted beetroot risotto. This was a good food and wine paring.
Michael Lillis
