Heartland Wines is the culmination of 3 wine dudes’ dreams, including winemaker Ben Glaetzer. This blend Shiraz 52% and Cabernet Sauvignon 48%, matured in French and American oak.

Heartland Wines, Spice Trader, Shiraz; Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek, 2014

Dark garnet in the glass and living up to the nomenclature: plenty of spice on the nose. Pepper, anise, garam masala and sweaty leather along with plenty of plush black fruits: tart cherry and blackcurrant. Sweet oak rounds out the aromas. Unsurprising big fruit lines: red and black. Savoury black olive takes the edge away from overt cushiony sweet oak. Tannins are a little grainy and do enough to keep it rumbling along. Does the job.

RRP: $16
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 16.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Heartland Wines