M.CHAPOUTIER

Quoted value

Wine Advocate # 168

94+/100. This is a superb example of a blending of Australian and French cultures as well as winemaking from tightly spaced, dry-farmed vineyards that have achieved great ripeness and intensity in the Cambrian soils of this region. A knock-out bouquet of graphite, crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blueberries, and blackberries is followed by a full-bodied Syrah with formidable concentration, good acidity, and tremendous intensity as well as length. This wine needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades. As profound as this 2005 is, a barrel sample of the 2006 La Pleiade appeared to be even more remarkable! Unfortunately, there are only about 500 cases of this brilliant cuvee.

Wine Advocate # 161

96/100. Sadly, there are only 300 cases of this remarkable wine (made from yields of 8 hectoliters per hectare). Produced from the ancient Cambrian soils of this renowned viticultural area, this 2004 Shiraz (which benefited from a six week maceration) boasts a liqueur of rocks-like note interwoven with complex aromas of creme de cassis, graphite, truffles, and flowers. There are multiple layers of flavor as well as outstanding elegance, minerality, and precision. As close to a New World version of Hermitage as one will ever find, it is the most extraordinary wine I have ever tasted from this part of Australia and clearly a striking example of terroir. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and consume it over the following two decades.

Tasting

Colour : deep magenta.
Nose : complex aromas of red berries and spices.
Mouth : this wine has an outstanding elegance and power, combining minerality and precision, perfectly reflecting the Terroir of Heathcote.
The wine will benefit from another 2 to 3 years in bottle and can be cellared for 20 years.

Sommelier tips

Seven hours roasted lamb under 100° "agneau de sept heures". Boeuf wellington.

Vintage 2008