Heartland Wines is the brainchild of winemaker Ben Glaetzer and business partners Grant Tilbrook, Scott Collet, Geoff Hardy, Gino Melini, John Pargeter and Vicki Arnold. Ben is the second generation of a celebrated Australian wine dynasty that began with his father Colin. As winemaker for Glaetzer Wines, Ben continues a 30+ year tradition of producing elite Shiraz, including Australia's iconic Amon-Ra. Ben is passionate about wine and exploring the differences in terroir – ergo, his multiple winemaking responsibilities at Glaetzer, Mitolo, Woodstock and Heartland. Founded in 2002, Heartland produces wines that highlight the unique terroir and characteristics of Langhorne Creek and the Limestone Coast, two of Southern Australia's most highly regarded wine appellations. Heartland owns 1,000 acres of mature vineyards in Langhorne Creek and the Limestone Coast that are planted to sandy loam soils and/or grey marl over deep limestone. With these estate-grown grapes, Ben produces three different ranges: the modestly priced Stickleback, the midpriced Coast and Creek range and the premium Director's Cut Reserve. This tiered approach was deliberately crafted to, "Give the drinker stepping stones...making each level deliver more quality than its price would suggest," says Ben. "My aspiration is to allow anyone who buys one of my wines, irrespective of its price point, to see a snap shot of my vineyards, vintage and history."

Tasting notes

Matured for 14 months in new French (70%) and American (30%) oak hogsheads, this savory, full-bodied red offers pronounced aromas of ripe black fruits, red currants and spice that mingle nicely with hints of espresso and dried spice. Flavors of cassis, anise and earth are supported by balanced tannins and bright acids.

Rating

Wine Advocate 88 points (Dec 2011) Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Shiraz gives intense eucalypt, blackberry and blueberry preserves aromas with dark chocolate and baking spice nuances. Very crisp, full-bodied and with plenty of mouth-filling warm berry flavors, it has a medium-firm level of grainy tannins, finishing long. Drink this one now to 2016. ”

Technical notes

Shiraz from 16-18 year old vines planted in Langhorne Creek (95%) and the Limestone Coast (5%) was crushed and then pumped over twice a day to enhance color, flavor and tannins. The wine was left on its skins for ten days after which a Rhone isolate yeast was used to start fermentation.