Greenstone Shiraz

The Heathcote story is a complicated one. First, there was Jasper Hill with its very unique and successful wines. It put Heathcote on the map. Then many new wineries set up in the area, chasing very ripe and alcoholic Shiraz. There were so many new wineries in such a short time, that it was difficult for them to differentiate and create a significant position in the market place. How many Heathcote wineries can you name? Yet, some really good wines were made (and many ordinary ones).

The latest wave are winery ventures which are abandoning the high alcohol Shiraz objective and try to do something much more supple. Greenstone is one such winery. The 2006 Greenstone Vineyard Shiraz is medium bodied. It has an attractive plum and raspberry aroma. The flavours are ripe, but fresh, and the acidity creates an attractive counterweight to the fruit flavours. When I learnt there was an Italian influence in this venture, I was not surprised. This almost tastes like a Sangiovese. This is not a cool climate Shiraz, but also not a 'big South Australian'. This could be an attractive niche, if they could only get their name established better.

Score: 92/++