2023 Heathcote Winery Mail Coach Shiraz, Heathcote

Whole-berry fermented in batches, maturation in French and American oak with less than 2% viognier. A cool vintage brings out the spice and gentle florals, and it becomes one mighty-attractive feature of this wine. There’s a fineness of shiraz expression in play, all red and blue fruits, plum, earth and spice, medium bodied and elegantly delivered. Fine, bright tannins bring an energy and freshness. Drink to 2032.

93 points Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion, February 2025

Heathcote Winery was established in 1978 as one of its namesake region’s first commercial wineries, with estate vineyards in the central part of Heathcote supplying longtime winemaker Rachel Gore with excellent material to work with.

Grown predominantly on ancient red Cambrian soils, this wine is a blend of two estate vineyards. The fruit is hand harvested and whole berry fermented with a small amount of Viognier in individual batches, with maturation in a combination of French and American oak barrels.