Heathcote Estate

Heathcote Estate and Yabby Lake Vineyards are owned by the Kirby family, of Village Roadshow Ltd. They purchased a prime piece of Heathcote red Cambrian soil in 1999, planting shiraz (30ha) and grenache (4ha), the latter an interesting variant on viognier. The wines are matured exclusively in French oak (50% new). The arrival of the hugely talented Tom Carson as Group Winemaker has added lustre to the winery and its wines. The cellar door, situated in an old bakery in the Heathcote township, provides a relaxed dining area. JAMES HALLIDAY