2006 Paul Osicka Heathcote Shiraz

The Osicka Vineyard is located 24 km east of Heathcote and is considered to be on the extreme eastern boundary of the Heathcote geographical area. To find Osicka is to go off the beaten track. The Osicka’s established the vineyard in 1955 and operate on organic farming principles, using dry farming techniques. The Shiraz is grown on sandy loam over quartz and red ironstone buckshot gravels, which create excellent drainage conditions.

The 2006 vintage commenced on the 15th of March after a hot, dry growing season. Shiraz grapes were hand picked between 14 and 15 Baume over a period of twelve days and fermented in a combination of 2.5 tonne open fermenters. Some prolonged maceration on skins occurred both pre and post fermentation and a number of different cultured yeast strains were introduced to increase complexity. A couple of ferments were also conducted using indigenous yeast. After pressing, the wine completed fermentation in stainless steel tanks before being racked into barrels for an 18 month maturation. A.P. John's American oak barrels (300L Hogsheads) were used exclusively, in the ratio of 25% brand new and the rest one to three years old.

Osicka's Shiraz has become a Heathcote benchmark
and just gets better with every vintage

Totally opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue, showing excellent cling to the glass. Superb nose with top note of liquorice, followed by cedar, blackberry, spice and just a hint of vanilla. The palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of vanilla, blackberry, cedar and a hint of earth over a background of spice and black pepper. Outstanding length and depth – fine dryish tannins with excellent structure. A top example!
Cellar 5-8 years (2013-2016)
Alc/Vol: 15%