2014 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings

The Caravan of Dreams takes its name from the aspirations of the vineyard’s founder, Bill Hepburn, who in the early 1990’s planted the original Tatiarra block consisting of ten acres of Shiraz vines. The early years of preparing the soil and planting the vineyard were difficult, with the only accommodation on the site being a caravan and a 'thunderbox'. However, when the cold winters in the caravan proved to be a strain on his health Bill Hepburn passed the dream onto Tatiarra.

Unashamedly individual and unfettered by fashion or convention, Caravan of Dreams has captured the hearts of wine lovers world wide and frequently approached the mythical three digit rating from more than a few critics. The catch 22 is that there's no potential to dramatically increase volumes due to the very nature of a pressings wine.

A riveting example of Heathcote Shiraz that should not be missed

Magnificent impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Phenomenal nose with intense aromas of liquorice, ripe blackberries and dark plums soaring from the glass with a strong blackpepper overlay underpinned by vanillin oak, some meatiness and crushed rock notes. Ultra rich and powerful yet with an energetic core and muscular frame the palate is awash with succulently textured fruit. A huge core of liquorice, ripe blackberries and dark plums engulf the palate in decadent fashion yet is held in check by a robust structure. Nuances of spicy vanillin oak, dark chocolate, crushed rock and blackpepper are also apparent. Powerful imposing finish that seemingly sails on forever. Exceptionally long aftertaste of ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark chocolate, dark plum, spicy vanillin oak, crushed rock and blackpepper.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc 15%

Other Reviews....
Ben Riggs has made the wines in the past and Robert Parker gave some lofty scores, which in the early noughties was a pretty good recipe for gaining attention in local and international wine circles. The style, bombastic, but often balanced, hasn’t really wavered either, which I think shows a good reflection of the potential of the warm place that Heathcote can be. Of course, only shiraz is planted on the site. It’s not of a style I find myself drinking, but wow, it’s done well for its ilk.
This is all that a lover of big red wine can hope for, pretty much. Colossal impact of fruit, muscular yet toned, a road-train at full pace through ten feet of concrete roadblock, yet there’s immense balance here too.  Dark fruits and sweet spice and liquorice and leather and chocolate in the bouquet. The palate shows a thick swirl of dark fruit, molten chocolate tannins, lush licks of dried fruit and vanilla, stains the palate, slips to infinity. Leaves you breathless in a way. It’s a wine of immense impact. Drink 2017-2024
95 Points
Mike Bennie - Wine Front