Wine X Sam The Victorian Shiraz 2023 from Tait Hamilton Vineyard, Heathcote, is a deep red Shiraz with blackberry, sweet spice, and chocolatey notes. Ripe plush tannins with rich, full-bodied character and regional depth.
Appearance
Deep red colour, reflecting the wine's concentration and quality Heathcote fruit from the Tait Hamilton Vineyard.
Aroma
Quite aromatic with blackberry and sweet spice aromatics. There is also a chocolatey note, which is partly from oak maturation but also a regional characteristic associated with good Heathcote fruit, creating an inviting and expressive bouquet.
Palate
The tannins have a lovely ripe plushness to them, and the wine feels rich and full-bodied. The palate is backed by plum, cassis, black liquorice, and some pronounced oak, creating exceptional depth and complexity. The wine displays serious concentration of ripe blackberry fruit and pronounced tannins that provide structure and length, whilst the chocolatey notes from both oak maturation and the regional Heathcote character add layers of interest throughout the drinking experience.
This Heathcote Shiraz plays to the region's strengths with its serious depth of colour, concentration of ripe blackberry fruit, and pronounced tannins, offering exceptional quality and character.
Review
91 Points - Jeni Port, Published 15 September 2025
"Brings all of Heathcote's considerable shiraz charms to the glass at one easily affordable price. Has plenty to offer, whether it's a deep, black-fruited aroma brimming in spices, or a palate that is expansive, juicy and fresh. At its heart is ripe Toolleen shiraz from the Chinaman's Bend vineyard, working firm in tannins and an immediate earthy, black berried, spice-driven lasting charm. Good to go right now."
Pairs With
Grilled lamb, beef dishes, barbecued meats, aged cheddar, venison, slow-cooked meats, mature hard cheeses, rich stews
Serve at 16-18°C. Enjoy now or cellar for 5-8 years. Decant for 30 minutes to allow the wine to open.
