2006 Heathcote Estate Shiraz

Heathcote Estate was established in 1999 by Robert Kirby (Village Roadshow) and Louis Bialkower (the lawyer who founded Yarra Ridge, before selling out to Mildara) with the intention of producing a single vineyard ultra premium Heathcote Shiraz. The vineyard is located next door to Ron Laughton’s Jasper Hill, in Drummond Lane.

Vintage Conditions: The 2005/2006 Growing Season was another relatively dry winter which meant that water storages were low and that timely water applications later in the season would be of critical importance. Some spring rains and above average temperatures early in the growing season assisted in an even budburst and excellent shoot growth development, enabling fruit to ripen effectively. The added use of under vine mulch to maintain soil moisture assisted in achieving an even flowering and good fruit set. 25mm of rain in mid February ensured excellent vine health through to harvest. The dry warm windy growing season conditions ensured no disease incidence and inevitably a slightly lighter than average crop load. As a result intense colour and flavour development was achieved on the vine. Overall the season was dry and windy with convenient rain.

Winemaker’s Tom Carson and Tod Dexter have produced an excellent example of a full bodied Heathcote Shiraz that still manages to maintain a sense of elegance

Outstanding colour – a total saturate of deep blackpurple with purple black hue. The nose is very perfumed with aromas of blackberry,plum, confectionary, vanilla and liquorice with some toast backgroundnotes. Full bodied, displaying excellent weight with flavours of ripe blackberryfruits, plum and liquorice with a long spicy, peppery finish. Fine grained dryishtannins are slightly chalky but are in balance and will soften with bottle age. Blackpepper, blackberry andliquorice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years. (2014-2015)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
Stelvin

Other Reviews....
Dense purple-crimson; typical mouthfilling array of generously proportioned blackberry, licorice and spice fruit; alcohol, tannins and oak all appropriate. Screwcap.
Drink 2026     Date Tasted Mar 08
Rating 95 points
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion