Region: Australia, McLaren Vale

Grape variety: Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon

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: The colour is deep, dark red with an almost black centre, yet still visible bright, youthful hues on the edges. Satsuma Plums, blueberries, blackberries, beetroot and a hint of rhubarb aromas. Savoury toasted spice characters of anise, cloves and cardamom, seamlessly mingle with mouth-watering hints of fennel, caraway and min on the nose, with just a speckle of pepper. These characters follow through on to the palate, with a fine structured vanilla oak base providing a holding pattern for the flavours to be held up generously. Elegant yet firm tannins from Cabernet Sauvignon provide a sophisticated backbone, whilst fleshy Shiraz enriches the body and blossoms in the mouth, providing warm enriching and powerful flavours. The texture is powerful with great structure and definition in its youth, this full textured wine will evolve over time and reward with more complex flavours.

VEGAN