2019 Heathcote Estate Block F Shiraz
The much-anticipated 2019 Heathcote Estate 'Single Block Release' Block F Shiraz - a cult wine and a classic vintage.
Heathcote Estate was planted in 1999 in Drummonds Lane, Heathcote on the famous strip of 500 million year old Cambrian soil that defines the heart of the region. 'F Block' is planted on rich and deep red clay topsoil over bedrock, with ancient Cambrian green stones visible.
The 2019 vintage in Heathcote has produced wines of intense concentration and power. A warm and dry spring led into a classic Heathcote summer, warm days and cool nights. F Block was hand picked on 22 February - capturing the fruit at exactly the right moment. A true vigneron’s vintage.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were hand picked on 22 February. The wine is made up of two batches – batch 1 was fermented in traditional stainless steel open fermenters with 100% whole bunches. Batch 2 was fermented in French oak cuves with 20% whole bunches. Batch 1 makes up 40% of the blend (3 barrels) and batch 2 makes up 60% (4 barrels). The wines were then pressed and transferred into 500L French oak puncheons (1 year old) for malolactic fermentation. Racked twice during maturation, bottled February 2020. (Alc 13.5%)
Tasting Notes
Beautifully fragrant and perfumed, with violets, red berry fruits and loads of spice. The palate is wonderfully poised and vibrant, concentrated and detailed, with the silkiest texture and length. Classic F block, powerful but a silky and fine, long finish.