2023 Paul Osicka Majors Creek Vineyard Heathcote Shiraz

A refined, more elegant rendition of Heathcote Shiraz that carries a glossy texture.

Established in 1955 by former Czech vigneron Paul Osicka, this is Heathcote’s oldest producer, 2023 marking the 68th anniversary of the planting of the vineyard. Today, grandson Simon tends the 10 hectares of Shiraz vineyard producing a rich, highly revered Shiraz that always disappears quickly off the shelves.
Midnight black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Wonderfully fragrant nose with aromas of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry leading the way, complimented by whiffs of blueberry, spicy vanillin cedar, earthy mint and pepper. Showing much more refinement than the 2022 release, the supple mid weighted palate is detailed with red to dark plum, blueberry and red liquorice fruits. Glossy textured it has seamlessly integrated, velvet smooth tannins. Notions of fresh herbs, mint, spicy vanillin cedar and peppered fennel are featured across the back half. Finishes fresh, long and elegant.
Drink over the next 5-6 years
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….

The Osicka vineyard one of the special sites of Australian wine, for mine. For many, perhaps. It should be anyway. I’ve said it before, but a Wendouree-like feel to the wines at times, here for sure, then again, distinct too, and so they should be. Yardsticks and all that.
It’s got depth and potency, a gloss and sheen to texture, slick richness of ripe plum, forest berries, but then liquorice, fennel, roasted game meat, alpine herbs and touches of hazelnut and ferrous earth. The texture is pulpy and somewhat plush but the sheath of lacy tannin keeps things in check, the wine stretches long and luxuriously, seriously, and finishes with twists of herbs and pepper. A significant wine, harmonious and superb. Drink 2025-2035+
95 Points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front

A number of different soil types employed here, each batch fermented and matured separately in French oak. A wine with a long-standing history with plantings dating back almost 70 years. It's a slightly finer rendition this vintage but the generosity is there, the Heathcote stamp apparent in sweet, ripe black and blue fruits, wild herbs, baked earth, anise and, yes, spice. Boasts a fine-grained texture and freshness through to the finish. Open and generous but with a nice degree of elegance. Old vines at their best. Drink by 2036.
95 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion