Tellurian Heathcote Tranter Shiraz 2021

‘Block 3 of our Tellurian vineyard, in Tranter Rd, Toolleen, growing in Cambrian soils formed over 500 million-years. Deep, rich, decomposed greenstone rock with soil depths up to 2m allow roots to reach deep, while relatively low fertility controls vigour and yield. De-stemmed, crushed to open top fermenters . Small parcels processed as whole bunches. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks and concrete fermenters with 10–16 days on skins and plunging or pump overs once to twice per day. 19 months maturation before bottling with 10 months in a combination of barriques, puncheons and demi-muids (20% new), a further 9 months in 7 year old French oak 5000L foudre.’  

The Tranter is a complex drop which changes the longer it breathes. It starts with some delicious mulberry fruit, joined by raspberry, blueberry and some pretty violets, with tertiary depth coming from dried red and black fruits, earth, game, and cigar box, the savoury elements becoming more predominant. The oak is quite present on the nose and palate but this will likely fade in time and let the fruit shine some more. The tannins are drying and grippy, tamed by pairing the wine with some food, particularly something that can match its richness.