2012 Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz

Heartland

Australia / Langhorne Creek / Heartland

Vinification:
The grapes are selected from some of the best vineyards in the region including Teangi and
Pasquin. 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 8 days of cool
fermentation on skins and hand-plunging 3 times daily, the wine was transferred to French and
American oak hogsheads for 14 months maturation.The deep colour gives a clue to the concentration of aromas and flavours to follow.
Tasting:
Dark cherry and blackberry fruit dominate the nose with undercurrents of black liquorice and pepper. The palate brings to mind a berry compote enriched by elusive hints of spice. Directors’ Cut Shiraz is famous for its poise and balance and this vintage is no exception. It is reminiscent of the classic 2004 vintage, but may be the best Directors’ Cut to date.

James Halliday

94 points

Thick oak and thick dark fruit. Shoot first, ask questions later. Coconut, chocolate, mint and toast notes are slathered on saturated blackberry and plum. Tannin is not impeccable but it roars through the wine with impressive force. Big-boned, big-bodied wine.

Campbell Mattinson

The Wine Front

93 Points

Big shiraz. Lots of new oak, both French and American. Made from 30+ year old Langhorne Creek shiraz vines.
This is big, black and intense. It packs in more of everything. Fruit, oak, tannin, texture. It tastes of liquorice, jubey plums, toasty vanillin/coconut oak and mint/eucalypt. It’s velvety smooth, full-bodied and ripped with tannin. It’s not elegant; it’s a booming voice of a wine. Drink : 2017 – 2025.

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About Heartland

The cool climate of Langhorne Creek typifies Australia at its finest. Heartland grows and selects grapes with the most flavour per acre through careful vineyard management and years of collective expertise. The brilliant Ben Glaetzer gives focus and expression to these flavours in the winery. This results in wines of intensity, texture and balance. The Spice Trader blend and varietal reds offer delightful drinking and attractive, pure expressions of their cool-climate origins. The unique blend of Dolcetto & Lagrein captures the imagination with its freshness and intense cherry fruit. The new Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and harmonious, like its multiple award-winning Shiraz counterpart. Heartland One is a sublime blend of intense Cabernet Sauvignon and lush Shiraz, creating the ultimate expression of Langhorne Creek.

About

Ben Glaetzer has been making wines for over 20 years and his family history is intertwined with Australian wine making, and the Barossa Valley in particular. Indeed it was through the family connection of his uncle Johnny that Ben was introduced to the cool climate growing region of Langhorne Creek. This association has allowed Ben to explore completely new aspects of his winemaking abilities and create subtle, balanced reds with a true lightness of touch. Heartland sources all its grapes from Langhorne Creek, both from its own vines and those of old friends. The multiple awards and critical acclaim Heartland wines have attracted has been a bonus. The true pleasure is being part of one of Australia’s oldest and greatest regions and helping to showcase its great gifts to Australia and the world.