2018 Heathcote Estate Shiraz – Single Vineyard
Growing Season
The growing season got off to an ideal start, with excellent winter rains increasing water storages and providing soil profile moisture for the vines ’ forthcoming season.
Spring was to be much cooler and wetter than normal and subsequently budburst was delayed . With the days continuing to warm up throughout spring and plenty of soil moisture available to the vines, the shoot growth gained pace . The vines experienced a rough flowering period, with wet and windy conditions hampering an even set. Crops were to be much lighter than normal, in fact about 40% of long - term averages.
The cooler weather (particularly in regards to daily maximum temperatures) combined with excellent soil moisture meant that the vines were under very little stress throughout the entire ripening period. Subsequently harvest was later than normal by up to four weeks. The vineyard was entirely handpicked with harvest commencing on 29 March and the last parcel of shiraz picked on 5 April . The wet and cool season required detailed and meticulous vineyard management, yields were significantly lower than average, yet quality exceptional. The fruit harvested rewarded our efforts producing wine with detailed flavours, great balance and finesse rarely seen in Heathcote.
Variety 100% Shiraz Region Heathcote Victoria (Drummonds Lane) . Acidity 6.5 pH 3.63 months, 100% French, 20% new Winemaker Tom Carson , Chris Forge Viticulturist Vin Harrop
Tasting Notes
Beautifully perfumed bouquet with red and black fruits. The wine is pristine and poised with floral notes, gun flint and a minerality and purity highlighting the finesse of this cooler vintage. The palate is seamless, with lovely fruit texture and finely grained tannins . Long and powerful it will reach its peak in 2017 and drink well for 10 further years.
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