Tar & Roses Heathcote Sangiovese
Bright cherry red. Sweet red cherries on the nose with hints of thyme, fennel and dried bay leaf. Mouth-filling tannins with sweet red cherry flavours and a hint of spice on the finish. Chargrilled eye fillet. The fruit was machine harvested into 2.5t steel bins, transported directly to the winery for immediate processing. Crushed to static fermenters it was pumped over twice a day for approximately 20mins each time. During which time the temperature and acid levels were monitored constantly and adjusted when necessary, after completing fermentation the wine was pressed to tank using an air bag press. It was racked off gross lees directly to barrel to finish malolactic fermentation and mature in mainly older used barriques. The barrels were checked and topped each month. Tar & Roses home is in Nagambie Central Victoria and produces wines inspired by classic varietals from the Mediterranean and was named after the signature characteristics of Nebbiolo. The name also ties back to the winemaking team behind the venture, the legendary Don Lewis and his winemaking partner Narelle King. Following the passing of Don in 2017 this represents the final vintage of his great career with Narelle now carrying on the Tar & Roses tradition in 2018 and beyond. Tar & Roses produce one of Australia's leading Pinot Grigios known for its characteristic dusty pink colour. Tar & Roses sources the majority of red fruit from areas across central Victoria such as Heathcote, an ideal region for Italian and Spanish varietals and classic "Australian" Shiraz.
Bulling's Find Heathcote Shiraz
William Bulling was the first to stumble upon gold in the McIvor-Heathcote area. His accidental find afforded him a legendary name and started the rush of 1852 that lasted ten years, creating many a rich man. An area known for fulfilling the dreams of its fortune seekers, the Heathcote region with its rich Cambrian soils once abundant with gold are now home to some of the country's most loved wines. Much like this classic Shiraz, with layers of red fruits, opulent liquorice and black cherry fruit with a powerful vanilla cedar oak finish.
McWilliams Alternis Nero D'Avola
Considered the black beauty of wine, Nero dAvola displays bold aromas of respberry and blueberry, finishing with chalky tannins.
Mystery Heathcote Cabernet Sauvignon Deal No. 6353
Rich and expressive, with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar and subtle eucalyptus-mint. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with generous dark fruit, fine textured tannins and well-integrated oak, finishing long, balanced and savoury.
Tahbilk Shiraz
Aromas of plums, spice and background peppery hints lead to a richly flavoured palate of blackberry, plum and anise fruits. Firm, supportive tannins will hold this release in good stead for further cellaring.
Printhie Shiraz
From Orange in NSW, this Shiraz is a good introduction to the qualities of this emerging area. It shows aromas of plum and spices and the palate is all about the fruit with little intrusive oak.
Pacha Mama Shiraz
Pacha Mama Shiraz enfolds you in her arms. It's elegant, it's got finesse. In the glass its vibrant plum red in colour, with a complex nose of spiced plums and dark chocolate backed with earth and spice. This wine is soft and fleshy and full of all the good dark fruits; plum and blackcurrant. It's seamless in the mouth with juicy fruit favours on the palate. A light tannic structure, vibrant acid and a long savoury finish.
Z Wine Rustica Shiraz
Z Wine's Rustica Shiraz is an intense crimson red with purple hues followed by aromas of ripe cherry and red plum which are complimented by hints of pepper and spice with lifted perfumed notes. The palate is warm and full flavoured, displaying generous sweet red fruit, such as cherry, raspberry and plum. These fruits are couple with cedar spice notes and the soft mouth-filling tannins carry the fruit as well as providing structure and length to the wine. This wine is an exemplary example of a lifted, fruit filled Barossa Shiraz suitable for drinking in its youth.
Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon
Notes of mint and five-spice are evident on a sturdily constructed palate of black olive, herbs and dark fruits alongside fine, ripe tannins that will support the development of additional character and complexity if cellared.
De Bortoli Woodfired Shiraz
Intense deep red with a purple edge. Plump, dark fruits, blueberry, spice and liquorish. Soft, rich, mouthcoating, balanced tannin, cured meats, wild spice, authentically Heathcote.