The renowned Heathcote orange Cambrian soils on which the vineyard is based are thought to be some of the oldest soils in the world.
Medium to full bodied, it caresses the palate with notes of plum, dark cherry, and just ripe blackberries. Hints of lavender sit proud above the wine amongst other complex notes of fresh iron rich earth, black pepper, and cured meats. Tannins are savoury and give the wine a stern backbone. The wine runs long through the finish with plenty of drive and balance.
An 18-day maceration utilising 80% whole-bunches prior to an elevage in French oak (15% new; 18 months), has imparted a patina of exotic spice and florals welded to a timbre of woodsy, powdery tannins. Blueberry, boysenberry and mulberry. Chinotto and a briary rasp mitigate any excess. The tannins expand across every sip. This is a serious shiraz of a svelte cool climate aura, juxtaposed against ample ripeness and extract.