Cambrian Rise Heathcote Shiraz 2005

Affectionately dubbed ‘Son of Heathcote’ by our winemaking team, Cambrian Rise is a fine example of Heathcote Shiraz.

Our long involvement with the Heathcote region (since 1987) brings a thorough understanding of the way it behaves in differing vintage conditions, as well as the micro-climatic variations that naturally occur in this north-south aligned region.

The final make-up of Cambrian Rise is inextricably linked to the composure of our flagship red wine – ‘Hanging Rock Heathcote Shiraz’. Our flagship Shiraz is always predominantly made with fruit from our ‘Athol’s Paddock’ vineyard. And, depending on the vintage, may include additional fruit from any, or all, of the group of other Heathcote vineyards contracted to grow for us. The fruit that does not suit our requirements for the final flagship Shiraz blend immediately becomes available for Cambrian Rise. Our winemakers then have the challenge to make our next best possible Heathcote Shiraz wine.

Hence the tag, ‘Son of Heathcote’.

Cambrian Rise will always include components from a number of Heathcote Shiraz vineyards, and its composition will vary from vintage to vintage.

Cambrian Rise will always include components from a number of Heathcote Shiraz vineyards, and its composition will vary from vintage to vintage. In 2005 the majority of the fruit came from the middle and the south of the Heathcote region.

2005 was hot, not unlike every year in this decade so far. Whilst a lack of water in the region is a constant problem there are some benefits to hot dry years; there is very little disease and the grapes tend to ripen easily and quickly. The resulting wines are rich and powerful with a lot of fresh berry overtones.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep red with a cherry red and slightly purple hue.

Nose: Intense black forest cake aromas with a hint of eucalypt and white pepper.

Palate: Complex ripe berry flavours well integrated with the steam bent American oak flavours. The wine has a great, long finish with notes of ripe berries and savoury flavours that last. Drinking well now, this wine can be increasingly enjoyed over the next 5 to 8 years.