Heathcote Shiraz 2006 

Heathcote Wine Region, in Central Victoria, has a rapidly growing reputation as one of Australia’s best regions to grow Shiraz. The region features a deep strip of rare, ancient, red Cambrian soil with excellent moisture retention characteristics, virtually eliminating the need for irrigation. It is this ancient soil that gives Heathcote Shiraz its distinctive character.

The combination of low rainfall, hot summers and the red Cambrian soil creates a challenging environment in which the Shiraz vines thrive, albeit producing low yields and small berries with intense flavours. The 2006 Heathcote Shiraz is made exclusively with grapes from our ‘Athols Paddock’ vineyard. We believe the 2006 vintage continues the high standards of preceding vintages which have collected three Trophies and fifty five Gold Medals.

The 2006 season was one of the better seasons we have seen in a long time. All through summer we experienced cooler than average nights which helped slow the ripening process which intensifies the flavour of the grapes. Rain fall at just the right time meant that the vines were not over stressed at any point.

The oak used is steam bent American Oak which offers a subtler flavour than its fire bent counterpart but still add the tannin that is needed for longevity. The wine is placed in 100% new oak for around 24 months. Our Heathcote fruit is always picked on flavour, and in this aspect of the wine we are aiming for consistency.

Colour: Dark plum with a deep Purple hue.

Nose: Intense rich, ripe Blackcurrant and Mulberry aromas with Vanilla and spicy overtones.

Palate: The palate is very intense and yet well balanced between fruit, oak and chalky tannins. The complex spicy, sweet and savoury flavours of the wine builds in the mouth and crescendos to an amazingly long finish backed by a great acid back bone and tannic structure that will ensure that this wine lives for a very long time.

Cellaring: This wine is a traditional Heathcote Shiraz in that it is big, rich and powerful with an elegancy that is not expected from Australian reds. As a result this wine is evidently drinkable now, however in good conditions, a cellar life of 15- 20 years should be achievable.

Food matching: Rich, hearty meat dishes such as Osso Bucco and Venison.

The 2003 won Four Gold Medals; at the 2006 Royal Melbourne Wine Show, the Korea International Wine Challenge, Top Gold at the 2006 Royal Hobart Show, and Top Gold at the Federation Square Heathcote Region Showcase.

$70.00 ea

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