ark Richardson, red specialist at Tyrrell’s calls Heathcote “undoubtedly Australia’s most exciting new red wine producing region.” Buying up vineyards here was the brainchild of Bruce Tyrrell – and it has yielded a red that wins huge numbers of loyal fans every year.

Legendary Victorian winemaker, Don Lewis, teams up with Narelle King to create Tar & Roses. (Try and guess who is which?!) Their rich and fruit driven Heathcote Shiraz has quickly become a favourite of many Shiraz lovers, and not surprisingly at this low price!

The Tar & Roses Tempranillo is a great example of what 20 year old Tempranillo vines are achieving in Australia. On the nose there are juicy rich mulberries, freshly dug earth with hints of blackcurrant and aniseed. The palate has impressive length, balance and structure.

Tar & Roses can not only be used to describe the wonderful Meditteranean aromas and flavours of this Heathcote winery, but also the wonderful team of Don Lewis and Narelle King! This Heathcote Sangiovese shows the classical sour cherry flavours with a balanced and integrated structure that is crying out for a antipasto plate.

Grant Burge reds always display classic Barossa style. This Shiraz has all the hallmarks with ripe cherry fruit smoky overtones and a good measure of sweet vanillin oak. In recent years has really began to hit its straps and with the last few Barossa vintages being on the warm side, this is a wine for the 'old school' Shiraz lover.

Tim Kirk has quickly become Australia's Shiraz-Superstar. With cool-climate vineyards that are managed pefectly and with expert guidance, Clonakilla is a must have for all serious wine lovers. Tim's Hilltops Shiraz has luscious dark Shiraz fruit, with blackberry, roasted meat and gentle spice in the background. The tannins are ripe, the fruit juicy, the finish long and savoury. Superb.

A complex and attractive mix of dark and blue fruits with earthy undertones. Blood plums and black currants, liquorice and spice. A hint of truffles and oak in the mix. Medium bodied, fleshy and supple, the palate is textured and layered. Plum, aniseed and spice follow from the nose and the wine has lovely depth without being overbearing. Ripe, fine tannins and good length with dark fruits and a hint of oak.

Tyrrell's Rufus Stone is an excellent example of Heathcote Shiraz at a reasonable price. A rich, balanced wine of deep magenta colour with liquorice and white pepper aromas. Intense dark plum flavours are given a subtle lift from the well judged French oak. Better than ever!

Aromas of blackberry, plum and spice with flavours of rich plum, berry, and dark chocolate with supple tannins.

After being in the cellar, this wine has developed beautifully, offering a more harmonious and rounded expression of its bold beginnings. The initial aromas of plum, spice and pepper have softened into a complex bouquet of stewed dark fruits, dried herbs and gentle spice. On the palate, the blackberry, plum and anise characters remain rich, now layered with subtle earthy and savoury undertones. The once-firm tannins have mellowed into a supportive, silky structure, delivering a smooth, lingering finish. A well-cellared wine now showing balance, depth and elegance.