Region: Australia, McLaren Vale

Grape variety: Grenache & Shiraz

Background: Started by the late Doug Collet in 1973, Woodstock in McLaren Vale has always had an eye on the future. As well as red, white and rose wines, Woodstock has a ken focus on fortified wines too. When his son and current owner, Scott took over in 1982, the tradition has continued with fine wine making from the old vines on the property. Ben Glaetzer is now the chief winemaker with Scott managing vines – a winning team as shown by the Heartland range.

Tasting notes: Powerful and complex tawny style. Intense flavours of nuts, toffee, mocha and spices. A powerful and complex nose full of nuts, toffee, intense spice and fresh rancio characters reflect its age and complexity. On the palate, toffee, mocha, coffee and intense nuttiness all combine to create rich luscious flavours. The finish is long with lingering flavours of a fine very old fortified.

Food pairing: An ideal digestive with coffee and chocolates, or alongside an intense aged cheese such as Gouda or Cloth Matured Cheddar.

Awards

Parker - 91 Points: 'The MV Very Old Fortified is a blend of wines possessing a minimum of 20 years of age. Pale to medium amber brown, it gives an intensely nutty nose with notes of burnt caramel, toffee, preserved orange peel, dates and spice cake. Very crisp, sweet and rich with a full body, it’s got a pleasantly viscous texture and a long nutty finish.'

James Halliday - 94 Points

Royal Adelaide Wine Show - Gold

International Wine Challenge 2018 - Silver

International Wine Challenge 2017 - Gold Winner

International Wine Challenge 2017 - Winner Mclaren Vale Fortified Trophy

VEGAN