2018 Ellis Wines Signature Label Heathcote Shiraz

A family owned and run venture, Ellis wines was established in 1999 and for 10 years they sold their fruit off to other wineries before establishing their own label in 2009. In only a relatively short period of time they have built a reputation for producing high quality Heathcote Shiraz grown on the regions famous Cambrian soils. Today the vineyard has grown to over 123.5 acres in size.

Long and plush with a seductive like refinement.

Matured in a mix of French and American oak for 18 months. Dense midnight black in colour with a dark red black shaded hue. Expressive blackberry, liquorice and black cherry aromas intermix with vanillin cedar, scorched earth and peppered meat notes. Rich blackberry, dark plum and liquorice fruits coat the palate with an opulent texture. Vanillin cedar, subtle scorched earth, dark chocolate, fennel and pepper characters ensue. Shows excellent depth and power without being heavy. Silky smooth tannins concluding long and plush with a seductive like refinement.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.8%

Other Reviews….
Fermented in stainless steel, 14 days on skins, basked pressed, 12 months' maturation in French and American oak (30% new). The winemaker recommends opening the wine an hour before tasting. Vigourous decanting certainly opens it up, if earlier drinking is intended. The option of cellaring is even better. Tight-grained, cedary, toasted coconut oak in evidence, with ripe, concentrated blackberry, plum and spice still emerging. Definitely has a power and intensity across the board, in keeping with its warmer northern Heathcote sourcing. Drink by 2030.
94 points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion