Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2020 (Langhorne Creek)

Lower than average crops were the result of a dry flowering season. Temperatures were unusually mild. Harvest began on the 6th of February, with our Shiraz being picked in early March. A long cool growing season led to excellent phenolic ripeness and intense colour and an inviting brightness on the palate.

The grapes are selected from some of the best Shiraz vineyards in the region. These vineyards are chosen for the consistent intensity and texture of the fruit. The strictest pruning techniques are used. The fruit for Directors’ Cut Shiraz was harvested at night and then crushed to small open top stainless-steel fermenters. After 24 hours of skin contact fermentation was commenced with our Rhône isolate yeast. Following 11 days of cool fermentation on skins and pumped over 3 times daily, the wine was transferred to French and American oak hogsheads for 14 months maturation. In the 2017 vintage we have limited ourselves to 30% new oak to ensure the fruit remained the focus and the guiding light of the wine in this cooler year.