Heathcote produces the most distinctive Shiraz wines, lined by noble tannins and carrying a serious weight of fruit. The rich
terra rosa soils and favourably sunny climes make the region so exciting for protagonists of world class Shiraz, that it beckoned Dominique Portet to impart continental flair and skill into parcels of the choicest local fruit. A solidly structured wine, instantly recognizable as Heathcote, endowed with showroom tannins and an intensity of bramble flavours, luxuriously refined oak and minarets of peppery, aromatic spice.
Dominique Portet is the ninth generation of his family committed to winemaking, yet he is the first to establish a winery and label bearing the family name. His training began early, at one of the world's most illustrious estates. Portet's father was regisseur (vineyard and winery manager) of the great Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Shiraz is harvested as the fruit reaches the desired levels of physiological ripeness. Following selection and sorting, grapes are inoculated and macerated in fermenters, followed by transfer to a selection of the most luxurious Allier, Nevers and Tronçais French oak barrels for an extended maturation and term of bottle age underneath the Dominique Portet cellars.
TASTING NOTESDeep garnet colour. Nose of bright, ripe red and black fruit, liquorice and freshly milled spice over red and black cherry notes. Delightfully approachable in its youth, the distinctive plum and spicy pepper flavours are supported by smooth but firm tannins. New French oak enhances the complexity of flavour, Portet is a master in the fine art of handling oak without destroying the fruit. A match to duck, steak and the finest cheese.