2021 Red Claw Shiraz, Heathcote

While all the regional aromas and flavours fly high, the freshness and vibrancy of this juicy red steal the show. It feels light, although there’s a core of ripe, dark red plums, Middle Eastern spices, cedar and bay leaves. Sweet fruit floods the fuller-bodied palate before fresh acidity and grainy, ripe tannins corral all into one seamless finish. Terrific wine and top value. Drink 2022-2028.

93 points Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion, March 2023

A dry and cold winter, cool spring and mild summer has produced a remarkable wine with great intensity and extract and a long seamless, persistent finish.

The grapes were handpicked between 21–27 February. Fermented in a combination of open and closed fermenters with up to three weeks total time on skins. There were seven individual batches, with a couple of those receiving whole bunches. Pressed and sent immediately into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Remained in French 300L hogsheads barrel for a total of 12 months and racked three times during this.

This 2021 vintage shiraz has wonderful balance and intensity of flavour. Bright dark berry fruit and lifted spice dominate the aromas, with subtle supporting French oak. The palate is plush and silky, loaded with dark fruited shiraz intensity. Fine structure and excellent concentration.