2001 Shelmerdine Heathcote Shiraz

Recently Heathcote has been granted GIC status, that is the boundaries of the district have been approved by the Geographic Indications Committee, and they extend over quite a large area. To the west - Lake Eppalock, to the East – Graytown, to the South – Toobrac and to the North – Rochester. Some of Heathcote’s producers argued that the region is too large and that it no longer reflects the ’traditional’ Heathcote style that is demonstrated by wines from Jasper Hill, Mount Ida and Wild Duck Creek, for example.On the other hand, others argued that the market would sought the players out – the great wines would surface to the top and the lesser wines muddle along the middle and bottom of the market.
One of the great features of Heathcote is the Cambrian earth where underlying rock structure is 500,000,000 years old. These are amongst the oldest rocks on earth. The Cambrian soils, derived from these rocks are approx. 100-150 million years old, and it would seem that the best vineyard sites will be found on these soils. The Cambrian soils exist in two parrel bands which roughly follow the Mount Camel ranges. The bands of soil are relatively narrow and intermittent, following the Colbinabbin-Rochester Road. The length of these narrow bands is approx. 35km and start a few km south of Heathcote township.
The market place will now witness the emergence of a number of new wines from Heathcote – and from this point on it is fair to say ‘cavet emptor’. Each producer must now work to achieve his place on the quality rungs of the Heathcote ladder.
The Shelmerdine Shiraz is grown on two quite different areas. Tobarac to the South, which is the southern extremity of the district, has a different climate and terroir to the Colbinabbin Vineyard , which is situated on relatively flat Cambrian land on the east side of the highway.
The Shelmerdine Shiraz is the first release under this label and is a disappointment, lacking the richness of flavour that is so sought after by lovers of Heathcote wine.Deep crimson colour. Medium body. The nose is appealing with aroma of spice and plum followed by a hint of violet and blackpepper. The palate flavours are relatively light, with delicate plum and blackpepper flavours emerging. Fine, dry tannins. It is difficult to detect any regional character.
Cellar 2-3 years (2003-2005)
Alc/Vol: 13.0%

RATING: 82/100

VALUE: XXX/5