De Bortoli have released yet another label from their Heathcote holdings, along with some fruit from friends in the region. Open fermenters and vats with a little whole bunch. 9 months maturation in French oak casks.

De Bortoli, Handcrafted, Shiraz, Heathcote, 2020

Deep, near opaque garnet. Spiced nose, replete with Fruits Of The Forest: darkly edged with some nori umami, camphor, salted chocolate and smoked meats. Full and youthful. Plenty of fine gritty, grainy tannin takes over after the initial fruit plushness. Fruit is trying to fight for top billing, but acidic cut and tannin mean this is a release for right now to match bbq beef short ribs.

RRP: $30
Alc: 14.7%
Rating:  90/100

Wine sample courtesy of De Bortoli