Product Line
Heathcote
Located in central Victoria, while viticulture in Heathcote began with the gold rush around 1860’s, all plantings bar one were destroyed by Phylloxera around 1900. Modern viticulture began in the 1950’s through to the 1970’s with the establishment of Paul Osicka in 1955, Jasper Hill in 1975 and Heathcote Winery in 1978. Geologically the key to Heathcote is a deposit of Cambrian red soils which begins 20 kilometres south east of the town of Heathcote proper then north running along the Mount Ida Range for 60 kilometres. The dry arid conditions make water stress an ongoing issue and necessitate irrigation, though more established vineyards with deeper roots are able to avoid these issues. Temperatures range from warm to hot summer days with cool through cold nights idea for the production of full bodied red grape varieties such as shiraz, and most notably of recent history Sangiovese.
Shiraz from mature dry grown vineyards is typically full bodied, dense, mouth filling with fruit profiles of blackberry, black and red cherry, leather, spice and liquorice with mouth coating density and ripe soft tannins which age gracefully. Outstanding producers include Jasper Hill, Red Eagle, Greenstone and Yabby Lake.
Sangiovese and Nebbiolo have met with recent success in Heathcote. Chalmers wines have established a number of Heathcote vineyards with a range of varieties indigenous to Italy. Greenstone, a venture between David Gleave MW, Tuscan winemaker Alberto Antonini and former Brown Brothers viticulturist Mark Walpole, established plantings of Sangiovese, Syrah and mourvèdre on the Cambrian soils. They believe the Heathcote climate is perfect for Sangiovese, with close climatic conditions to Tuscany and many of the best Heathcote Sangiovese are produced from Greenstone Vineyard fruit. Outstanding producers include Greenstone, Vinea Marson and Foster e Rocco.
Sources:
The Oxford Companion to Wine, Jancis Robinson MW
James Halliday's Wine Atlas of Australia, James Halliday
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Wanted Man 'White Label' Shiraz 2011Single vineyard shiraz from Heathcote. White Label.
Developing steadily. Game, leather and leaf matter with a peppery, drying finish. Not unripe but slight in its overall profile. CAMPBELL MATTINSON
2009shirazAustralia404$20.00 As low as $18.00 -
Jasper Hill Georgias Paddock Shiraz 2023Reminiscent of our wines in the early years, a true Georgia’s Paddock style of raspberry with red earth notes and soft integrated tannins. While this vintage initially appears a little closed, given a few minutes, opens up to a brilliant red fruit and spicy nose. Juicy strawberries and fresh raspberry fill a generous palate with great length. Delicious now but easily cellared for those with patience. High grade cork sealed, 15.0% alcohol. JASPER HILL2023shirazAustralia404$105.00 As low as $94.50 -
Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz 2023Full bodied, yet very approachable, Emily’s keeps on giving. Brilliant magenta in colour, this wine will stain. Intense dark fruits of cherry, raspberry and plum, followed through with a hint of mint and dark chocolate. Structured chalky tannins and balanced natural acidity allows this wine to be cellared. JASPER HILL2023shirazAustralia404$145.00 As low as $130.50 -
Jasper Hill Occam's Razor Shiraz 2022Grapes from Colbinabbin, mid-north of the Heathcote region, blended together with a smaller parcel from near Lake Eppalock. Harvested early to capture a great fresh feel. Crimson colour, savoury nose with a bouquet of spices and an underlying plum and raspberry palate, soft integrated tannins finishes this wine. A Shiraz made to be enjoyed now. JASPER HILL2022shirazAustralia404$54.00 As low as $48.60 -
Syrahmi Demi Heathcote Shiraz 2023Demi is such a vital expression of Heathcote shiraz. It’s also an essential expression of value, from a small producer.There’s complexity here. There’s juicy fruit. There’s fistfuls of spice and yet there’s a general we-are-one cohesion. Blue, black and red summer berry flavours, an ironstone element, woodsy spices roasted in an iron pan and modest inputs from florals. It’s a better wine than its asking price would suggest. It’s firm, confident and flavoursome. CAMPBELL MATTINSON, the wine front
Red earth, black cherries and olive tapenade pronounce themselves. There's a charming rustic character to this wine - much like the person behind it. It's got grunt, spice and power however it's a very graceful medium-bodied red. The palate is loaded with complexity - black and purple fruits sit alongside a graphite minerality and oh-so-soothing tannins. Easily loveable and very much enjoyable! KAYLEEN REYNOLDS2023shirazAustralia404$35.00 As low as $31.50