2002 Cleveland Estate Heathcote Shiraz

This wine needs time for the fruit to come into balance as the tannin structure is very tight and far too assertive. This also raises the question of the physiological ripeness of the berries and our suspicion is that the fruit, even although the alcohol level of the wine is 14.0%, was not fully ripe and the tannins are unripe – this shows up in the wine.

Opaque black purple colour with black purple hue. The nose is impressive with classic Heathcote sniff. Aroma of vanilla, blackberry, spice and white pepper. The palate structure is tight and relatively short in its fruit profile. Flavours of plum, spice and black pepper emerge and run all the way through to the aftertaste but are swamped by excessively dry tannins.
Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008)
Alc/Vol: 14.0%
Rating: 89/100
Value: XXX/5

First tasted: December 2003
This wine expresses perfectly the dilemma that faces viticulturists in Heathcote. The wine is labelled as having an alcohol content of 14% which should produce wines with an excellent flavour profile. However, this is not the case, as at 14-14.5% alcohol level, the grapes are not fully ripe. Yet, the numbers that the winemaker cares about, the pH and TA remain textbook perfect. Readings of pH 3.49 and TA 7.54 are common.

The Cleveland Shiraz has spectacular colour. Totally opaque black purple crimson colour. Aroma of ripe plum, blackberry, wonderfully concentrated followed by spice and vanilla with liquorice allsorts end note. The palate fruit profile is quite light and lacks length and depth due to the relatively unripe fruit that is evident. The tannins are firm and far too dry for the fruit. Aftertaste of plum, blackberry, liquorice and mocca.
Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008)
Alc/Vol: 14.0%
RATING: 90
VALUE: XXX