2024 Heathcote Winery Slaughterhouse Paddock Shiraz, Heathcote

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.

Once a cattle holding yard, Slaughterhouse Paddock is one of the oldest and often the last picked of currently farmed vineyards in the region. The fruit is hand harvested and whole berry fermented at controlled temperatures with a small inclusion of whole bunches. Maturation in American oak aims to compliment and elevate the naturally sweet elements of Shiraz fruit from this vineyard.

Ripe, robust and generously flavoured, this beautifully crafted Shiraz offers dark berry fruits and cedary oak derived spices. Subtle hints of black pepper and dark chocolate enhance the concentrated mocha core on a palate supported by gentle tannins.

Drinking well on release, it will reward further cellaring under good conditions.