The word “best” is overused. We at Wine Hunters think long and hard before applying such a powerful adjective. And yet sometimes, “best” is the only word that can fully capture the stature of a thing. And so it is time we just state the truth plainly. HEATHCOTE PRODUCES VICTORIA’S BEST SHIRAZ. It may well be Australia’s best. The textures, richness, power, yet restraint, and complete elegance the best of Heathcote can achieve is unlike anything else. A superb McLaren Vale Shiraz would be the closest thing we could think of, and even that’s just not the same …
We recently had the great privilege of attending the Heathcote Wine Growers‘ annual wine show trophy dinner. The dinner is in celebration of the winners of the annual Saint Martin Heathcote Wine Show. In 2019, over 45 different wineries submitted over 200 of their best wines. A wide variety of wines were submitted, but naturally, it was a Shiraz-heavy showing. These wines were vigorously tasted and judged by panels of local wine professionals. In the end, 23 gold trophies were awarded. Given our statement in the first paragraph, you might imagine the staggering stature of these wines. You can find the full list below. You certainly won’t go wrong picking up any of these.
You need to visit Heathcote and really acquaint yourself with the region’s wines. The medal winners below offer some great places to start. We can also recommend The Bridge Vineyard, Burke & Wills, Condie Estate, Humis, McIvor Estate, Silver Spoon Estate, and Vinea Marson as exceptional Heathcote wineries.
Best Shiraz of the 2019 show: Tellurian Redline Shiraz
Heathcote Grand Terroir Trophy: Sanguine Estate Progeny Shiraz, 2012, 2014, 2017
All gold Medalists:
White Wine: 2018 Ellis Wines Signature Viognier (Ellis Wines also won our 2018 wine of the year for the incredible 2012 Cab Sav!)
Rosé: 2018 Chalmers Rosato
Young Shiraz:
* 2018 De Bortoli PHI Syrah
* 2017 Devil’s Cave Shiraz
* 2017 Heathcote Estate Single Vineyard Shiraz
* 2018 Heathcote Estate Single Vineyard Shiraz
* 2017 Heathcote Winery Mail Coach Shiraz* 2018 Sanguine Estate Progeny Shiraz
* 2018 Tellurian Redline Shiraz
Shiraz 2014 – 2016:
* 2016 Devil’s Cave Shiraz
* 2016 Hennings Vineyard Shiraz
* 2014 Sanguine Estate Inception Shiraz
* 2016 Sanguine Estate Inception Shiraz
* 2015 She Oak Estate Shiraz
Shiraz – Museum Vintages
* 2013 Peregrine Ridge Limited Release
* 2013 Sanguine Estate Inception Shiraz
* 2010 Whistling Eagle Shiraz
Italian and Spanish Varietals:
* Chalmers 2018 Schioppettino
* 2018 Tellurian Nero D’Avola
Rhone Style Red Wines:
* 2018 Tellurian Grenache
* 2018 Tellurian GSM
Cabernet Sauvignon: 2018 De Bortoli Woodfired Cabernet Sauvignon
Other Red Wines: 2018 Wren Estate Merlot
The incredible wines of Heathcote are #WhyWeLoveWine !! To stay up to date on all our adventures and reviews, like us at facebook.com/winehuntersaus