Heathcote Wine Region, in Central Victoria, has grown a reputation as a great place 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 red soil that gives Heathcote Shiraz its distinctive character.
We pride ourselves on making wines that age exceptionally well in bottle, especially our estate grown Heathcote Shiraz. 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 2005 Heathcote Shiraz is made predominantly with grapes from our 'Athols Paddock' vineyard, along with small parcels from Ormond Hill and Colbinabbin Estate vineyards. We believe the 2005 vintage continues the high standards of preceding vintages which have collected 3 Trophies and 55 Gold Medals.
The 2005 vintage was, as we have come to expect, very dry. Winter rains meant that the soil had retained enough water to see the vines through budburst and early shoot growth, after that the vines ran out of water for flowering and fruit set, which resulted in a lower than average, yet amazing crop. The resulting wine is intense and very fruit driven, with the characteristic Heathcote eucalypt and white pepper. Our Heathcote fruit is always picked on flavour, and in this aspect of the wine we are aiming for consistency.
Colour: Rich, dark purple/plum hue.
Nose: Intense rich, ripe Blackcurrant and Mulberry aromas with Vanilla and spicyovertones.
Palate: The palate is very well balanced between fruit, oak and silky tannins. The flavours and intensity of the wine builds in the mouth and crescendos to an amazingly long finish backed by a great acid back bone 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 powerfulwith an elegancy that is not expected from Australian reds. As a 10 year old wine this wine is evidently drinkable now, however in good conditions, a cellar life of 15- 20 years should be achievable.
Awards & Reviews: 94 Points - Angus Hughson - WineGenius.com 5 Stars (94-96 points) in James Halliday Wine Companion for every vintage ever made.2005 VintageGold Medal - Provenance Award (Melbourne Wine Show 2014) 94 Points (James Halliday Wine Companion 2014)2006 Vintage95 Points (James Halliday Wine Companion 2015)
This year marks 30 years of Hanging Rock Heathcote Shiraz. To read more about it and to see photos click here
