Tellurian Heathcote Sommet Shiraz 2021

‘The Sommet Shiraz block is a small 0.6ha block, consisting of 35 rows, and 5000 vines. This close planted block was configured with 1.6m row spacings and 0.75m between each vine. This block was planted at the most elevated point of our vineyard, on a steep south/west facing slope below the ridgeline of the Mount Camel range, on deep Cambrian era decomposed greenstone rock formed over 500 million years. Fermented in small open fermenters with 10% fermented as whole bunches. 18 days on skins. Pressed to 1-2 year old 600L demi-muids and barriques. The wine remained in barrel for 8 months prior to bottling.’ 

This wine is a powerhouse and a superb combination of excellent fruit and expert winemaking. Aromas abound from the glass, sitting almost squarely between the primary and tertiary realms – mulberry, blackberry, wild strawberry, dried red and black fruits, earth, graphite – and just a touch of cedary wood from the relatively short time in oak. On the palate, you’ll be met with plush flavours and a sumptuous, teeth-gripping mouthfeel from the finely integrated tannins, with a length that lingers. “Sommet” is French for “summit”, and this wine is the pinnacle of the Tellurian range, worth every penny and with the potential to deliver the goods for many years to come still. If you’ve ever wondered why Heathcote is so revered for its Shiraz, drinking this wine will well and truly answer that question.