The 2011 Heathcote Estate Shiraz has fared exceedingly well given the cool, wet conditions. 40% of the Shiraz grapes were declassified which probably explains how succesful the wine is. Incorporates a small amount of whole bunches which you pretty much have to go looking for. Fermented and matured in French oak for 17 months (20% new).
Fresh but intense blackberry and plums mix with violets and bay leaf on the nose. It’s about as peppery as I’ve seen any previous release going all the way back to 2002, but I like it spicy. There are sanguine and saline notes which, along with high-grade savoury oak, provide a foil for the primary fruit. Subtle herbal action. Not so much earthy as it is flinty. The tannin is typically powdery and feels great. I’ve seen past vintages age well and I can’t see any reason why this won’t do the same. 93
Region: Heathcote
Alcohol: 14%
Clsoure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Tasted: July 2013
Hello Jeremy,
Can you explain the term “declassified” in the above context please ?
Hi Colin – I don’t have any specific details of where the “declassified” grapes have ended up but the Heathcote Estate Shiraz is a single vineyard wine so I think it’s safe to say that these are grapes that would have been intended for use in the 2011 Heathcote Estate Shiraz but were excluded on the basis of quality when it came time to pick them.