"The 2003 Heathcote Shiraz is made predominantly with grapes from our ‘Athols Paddock’ vineyard. Several other Heathcote vineyards contributed small parcels of Shiraz to the final blend. We believe the 2003 vintage continues the high standards of preceding vintages which have collected two Trophies and forty eight Gold Medals.
2003 was the peak of the drought and yields were well down throughout the Heathcote region. The resulting wine is powerful and intense with concentrated fruit character and abundant tannin.
It is a rich, elegant wine, beautifully balanced and with great cellaring potential.
The colour is an intense deep purple/mulberry. The nose exhibits powerful, savory and cigar box notes with nuances of unmistakable Heathcote mintiness.The palate is rich and powerful with a tight and vibrant structure. The flavours are that of dark chocolate and eucalypt, with mulberry and blueberry overtones.
As far as cellaring is concerned, try not to uncork this wine for at least five years. Ten to fifteen years would be even better."
Hanging Rock Winery