Inspired by the graceful and seemingly weightless examples from Canberra or the Northern Rhône, this is not your typical Heathcote Shiraz - medium-bodied, refreshing and lithe on the palate. There is energy and real contrast between the sweeter varietal fruit profile and the fine tannins of 2020.

Serve it with roasted vegetables and polenta, earthy/spicey lentil dishes or barbequed game.

 👁 Medium purple
👃 Pure fruited – red, black and blue – balanced with savoury black olive notes
👄 Juicy fruit, with satsuma plum, clove and hard herbs

Heathcote Shiraz is probably the first variety + region combo ever lodged in my wine brain. I have a soft spot for this keen expression of terroir, of variety matched to soil, that emerged in the mid 90’s - my dad was an avid fan of the early Hanging Rock wines and I remember the joy it brought him to share this local product with his friends and family. Vino Athlético needs to represent variety and regionality, and the best expression of each so whilst I wanted to remain true to the red earth and powerful fruit signature of Heathcote I also wanted to bring a bit more elegance and freshness, picking earlier and not working the ferment too hard in order to retain vibrancy and vitality.