Awards and Accolades

2013 Vintage:

92 Points - Tyson Stelzer, Tysonstelzer.com
"A gorgeous sangiovese defined by the bright acid freshness that characterises this grape. It’s young and fruit-focused, singing with gentle cherries, strawberries and raspberries, laced with mouth coating, ultra-fine-grained tannins."

90 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
"Classic sour cherry aromas and flavours are a breezy start, the Italianate tannins a formidable finish. As should be the case, demands food."

92 Points - Nick Stock
"A partnership between Don Lewis and Narelle King, this is the best of their reds and shows promise for sangiovese in Heathcote. Bright fresh red cherry aromas, liquorice and gentle earthy spices, the palate is medium-weight and built across fine savoury tannins, oak is in check; they've balanced it up nicely."

GOLD - Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show 2013

From the Winery

The fruit was machine harvested into 2.5t steel bins, transported directly to the winery for immediate processing. Crushed to static fermenters, it was pumped over twice a day for approximately 20 minutes each time, during which time the temperature and acid levels were monitored constantly and adjusted when necessary. After completing fermentation the wine was pressed to tank using an air bag press. It was racked off gross lees directly to barrel to finish malolactic fermentation and mature in mainly older used barriques. The barrels were checked and topped each month.

Sangiovese is a thin skinned variety like Nebbiolo. It is known for its earthy more than fruity notes, it has attractive mid red colour and can be characterised by high levels of tannin well balanced by acid. It is suited to well drained soils with abundant sunlight both of which the Heathcote vineyard provides.