2016 Heartland 'Spice Trader' Shiraz Cabernet

Heartland

Australia / Langhorne Creek / Heartland

This might be the finest vintage I've ever seen from Langhorne Creek. Only time will tell. Harvest was more generous than the previous few years, with above average quantity and quality. Total degree days were up from the last
three years, with wonderful ripeness levels recorded leading to amazing fruit intensity. This may supersede the 2012 vintage for overall quality and has led to a very happy winemaker.
The Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are fermented separately with specific parcels included for their ability to offer greater complexity and character. Time in barrel permits a softening of the wine’s structure. It also offers a complex expression of the fruit and helps the exotic notes of spice to be discovered.
Soft, smooth and delicious, this is an accurate and genuine expression of what Langhorne Creek has to offer. Dark fruits such as blueberries and blackberries are decorated by spice, fresh oregano and dill. - Ben Glaetzer, Heartland

James Halliday

Halliday Wine Companion 2021

90 points

A 50/50% blend fermented and matured separately in used French and American oak for 12 months. Remarkably fresh, and equally good at the price.

Standard Bottle In Stock

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.