2015 M2 Heathcote Shiraz Cleanskin

After months of negotiating, needling…. and even some begging, we've finally managed to prize another parcel of the 2015 Heathcote Cleanskin Shiraz out of the producer. Essentially, it’s exactly the same wine with a few extra months in barrel and the added bonus of a dollop of reserve material that's been blended in. As such we have labelled it M2 (Mark II). The first release sold out in a matter of hours and whilst we've managed to secure a larger parcel the second time around, we expect demand to be very strong again so please allow an extra day or two for delivery.

An absolute gem for the money, this possesses everything you could possibly ever wish for in a $10 Shiraz and more!

Once again the depth of colour is remarkable. Totally impenetrable it features an inky black core with a very deep dark purple black hue. Lofty aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plum and liquorice sail out of the glass over hints of dark chocolate and spicy vanillin oak. Delivering unbelievable weight and richness for its miserly price tag the palate is loaded with densely textured flavours of liquorice, ripe blackberries, dark plums and dark chocolate that sit over a backdrop spicy vanillin oak and pepper. Superb opulent feel with the velvety tannins having an underlying sturdiness. Excellent length with a long sumptuously rich aftertaste of blackberries, liquorice, ripe dark plums, spicy vanillin oak and pepper. Outrageous value.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc 15.5%

Original First Parcel Review
In the early 1980s Nicks Wine Merchant's founders, Nick and Vic Chlebnikowski were the first to promote the concept of cleanskins, an idea that was to become an industry phenomenon. The rationale was to assist wineries under severe financial pressure to move stock without damaging the winery's brand value. It was a win-win situation for both the producer and consumer as more often than not, the wines were of considerable quality yet sold at break-even price points. However, over the years the cleanskin concept that had become so popular with consumers was tarnished by some retailers and producers offering wines that were nothing more than the 'dead wood' of the industry. Consequently, cleanskins are now frequently perceived by consumers to be little more than cheap plonk. Here is an exception.

A vinous steal, this Heathcote Shiraz harks back to the early days of cleanskins, delivering a wine with a degree of richness and concentration that's simply exceptional for its price point.

Judging by the incredible saturation of colour alone it’s hard to believe this wine is being sold as a cleanskin. Impenetrable inky black core with an equally deep dark red black hue. Ripe blackberry, dark plum and liquorice aromas leap out of the glass over a backdrop of vanillin oak and spice. Full bodied a chorus of rich succulent blackberry, dark plum and liquorice drench the palate over a good dollop of vanillin oak followed by a peppery finish. Opulent bordering on voluptuous in its mouthfeel, there’s some good structural qualities to the tannins but they are largely overwhelmed by the sumptuous fruit. Medium to long aftertaste of ripe blackberries, dark plums, liquorice, vanillin oak and spice. A rich mouthfilling Heathcote Shiraz that really over delivers.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc 15.5%
94 points