2006 Heathcote Estate Shiraz
The site, the fruit
The rare, ideal location of Heathcote Estate, planted on the deep red Cambrian soil, imparts amazing depth and character to our shiraz. The 2006 wine is a blend of BVRC12, BVRC30, SA1654, ESA3021, PT23, SA1127 clones.
The Craft
Harvest commenced the second week of March under ideal conditions and at an average 24° Brix. The grapes were then fermented in a combination of open and closed fermenters with up to three weeks total time on skins. The wine was then pressed and transferred immediately into barrels for malolactic fermentation. It remained in barrels for a total of 18 months (a combination of 30% new and second and third use barrels, 90%French and 10% American) and during maturation was racked four times before being filtered and bottled.
The Result
The wine is rich and bold yet balanced with finely grained tannins and a powerful finish. The dark, dense red colour reflects the ripe powerful nose of blackberry and raspberry with nuances of cedar, chocolate and spice. Flavours are a subtle combination of dark berry fruits integrated with complex oak and mixed spices. The wine features soft supple tannins, seamless integration of oak and acid with a long rich lingering finish. A powerful wine packed with flavour and complexity, embodying the affinity between the Heathcote region and the shiraz grape.
Technical Details
| Growing Region | Heathcote, Victoria |
| Grape Variety | Shiraz 97% Grenache 3% |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |
| Acidity | 6.3g/l |
| pH | 3.57 |