De Bortoli Villages Heathcote Shiraz Grenache 2016 (Australia)

Description

"Beautifully aromatic with strawberry and cherry aromas plus a little white pepper. The palate is soft and plush, with an alluring vein of spice running through the core of the wine. Such a youthful and easy drinking wine with stunning primary fruit. Easy to drink and easy to love" Toni Paterson, Real Review, Jun 2017

"Deep purple/red colour, fresh pepper and spice aromas, bright and alive. Smoky char nuances, too. Intense, full-bodied, savoury and has a little firmness in its tannin. Still very approachable young - especially with food" Huon Hooke, Real Review, May 2017

Deep red with purple edge. Aromas of violets, spice and red fruits. Moorish tannins, gentle acidity, olive spice, wild herbs, gentle finish, plump and seriously delicious.

The majority of the Shiraz is grown by Ian and Lynn Rathjen, Willoughby Bridge Vineyards and Chinamans Bend planted on an easterly facing sections of the Mt Camel range. Proper farmers, salt of the earth, with an understanding of their land and vines. The Heathcote Ridge Vineyard produces some of the most compelling and perfumed Grenache I have seen giving the blend charm and perfume. A little addition of Willoughby Mourvedre gives the classic earthern characters of the variety.

Hand picked. Seperate ferments. 30-40% whole bunch inclusion in the Shiraz, 10% in the Grenache. Small  open fermenters, natural fermentation, older 500L casks for 9 months. Regular rackings for aeration. Final blend 66.5% Shiraz, 25.5% Grenache, 8.0% Mourvedre.